The Sam Houston State Bearkats (13-8, 8-0 SthLnd) put their nine-game winning streak on the line when they challenge the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (11-8, 4-3 SthLnd) at Johnson Coliseum. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats Betting Prediction
In the Lumberjacks’ last contest, they topped the Central Arkansas Bears, 105-99. The Lumberjacks had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 38.5 (above their season average of 33.8) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.587 (above their season average of 0.500). With 33 points on 10-for-15 shooting, Kevon Harris was the game’s leading scorer.
The Bearkats defeated the Southeastern Louisiana Lions in their last contest, 62-52. The Bearkats held the Lions to an offensive rebounding percentage of 10.7 (below their season average of 29.4). The Lions also had a turnover percentage of 28.0 (above their season average of 22.1). R.J. Smith was the game’s leading scorer with 15 points on 5-for-7 shooting from the field.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Sam Houston State should have a significant advantage. The Bearkats defense ranks 81st in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.481), while the Stephen F. Austin offense is ranked 218th in effective field goal percentage (0.505). Ball protection could be troublesome for the Lumberjacks. They rank 340th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 23.2 percent), while the Bearkats force the 17th-most turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.7 percent).
After the Lumberjacks won both matchups against the Bearkats last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Stephen F. Austin won 65-53. Stephen F. Austin’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Sam Houston State. The Lumberjacks had a rate of 0.491 while the Bearkats posted a mark of 0.330.
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks at Sam Houston State Bearkats Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Sam Houston State, ATS Winner – Sam Houston State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Sam Houston State ranks 70th in three pointers attempted per game (25.0) while Stephen F. Austin ranks 243rd (19.5).
The Bearkats rank 50th in assists per game (15.4) while the Lumberjacks rank 217th in assists allowed per game (14.9).
Sam Houston State ranks 33rd in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Stephen F. Austin ranks 172nd (7.4).
The Lumberjacks rank 150th in rebounds per game (35.7) while the Bearkats rank 178th in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
Stephen F. Austin ranks 48th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Sam Houston State ranks 74th (3.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Lumberjacks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.2, down from 0.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bearkats have scored an average of 70.4 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 58.0 points per game (8.1 below their season average).
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