The Saint Joseph’s Hawks (16-3) look to continue their five-game winning streak when they meet the faltering Massachusetts Minutemen (8-10) at Michael J. Hagan ’85 Arena. Action begins at 7:00 pm ET on Wednesday, Jan. 27.
The Hawks enter this game hoping for similar success after blowing out La Salle 69-48 on Sunday. DeAndre’ Bembry was the game’s leading scorer with 16 points on 7-for-13 shooting. The Minutemen, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 86-75 loss against Saint Louis on Saturday. Trey Davis had a game-high 36 points.
Bembry has taken his game to another level over the last five games for the Hawks. During that stretch, he has averaged 19.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.6 steals, and 1.2 three-pointers. Davis has upped his play for the Minutemen. In the same five-game span, he is averaging 21.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 3.6 three-pointers.
The Hawks could put on a ball-control clinic in this one. They’re ranked 17th in the nation at avoiding errors (TO% of only 15.3%). Additionally, Massachusetts forces the 86th-fewest turnovers in the nation (17.5%).
This one isn’t expected to be close when Saint Joseph’s, a substantial 13-point favorite, takes on Massachusetts. The matchup has an estimated Over/Under (O/U) of 155 points. The Hawks come into this game 16-3 Straight Up (SU) and 13-5 Against The Spread (ATS). Over their last 10 games, they have had success covering the spread (8-1). The rebounding edge goes to the Hawks in this matchup, who are one of the top rebounding teams in the nation with an average of 39.9 boards per game. Saint Joseph’s is one of the most disciplined teams in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.42. The Hawks have really locked down opponents on the defensive end, ranking 34th in the country with a .396 opponent field-goal percentage.
Over on the other bench, the Minutemen have 8-10 SU and 3-8-1 ATS records. Massachusetts has not performed well ATS during its last 10 games, earning a 1-5-1 record.
These conference foes will be squaring off for the first time this season. In their most recent meeting a season ago, Saint Joseph’s came out on top, bringing the head-to-head record to an even 5-5 SU over their most recent meetings. With a 6-4 record, the Hawks have the advantage ATS. During their latest five matchups, neither team ever held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, or three-pointers.
Predictions: SU Winner – StJoes, ATS Winner – StJoes, O/U – Over
Notes
Saint Joseph’s is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Saint Joseph’s last 5 games.
Saint Joseph’s is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home.
Saint Joseph’s is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Massachusetts.
Saint Joseph’s is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Massachusetts.
Saint Joseph’s holds a 5-1 SU record against the Atlantic 10 Conference this season, while Massachusetts has an abysmal 1-5 SU record against the conference.
Saint Joseph’s won its last game by a 21-point margin. In games decided by a margin of 18 points or more, Massachusetts is 2-3. Saint Joseph’s is 3-0 in blowouts this season.
The Massachusetts Minutemen average 73.0 possessions per game and 1.057 points per possession. The Saint Joseph’s Hawks earn fewer possessions with 69.5, but they score more points with 1.084.
Massachusetts has an average effective field goal percentage of 50.2%. Saint Joseph’s is a solid 4-2 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
Saint Joseph’s attempts an average of 21.0 three pointers per game and Massachusetts attempts 22.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Saint Joseph’s Hawks are undefeated at 9-0 while the Massachusetts Minutemen have a 5-6 record.
Saint Joseph’s ranks 31st in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.42. Massachusetts is ranked lower at 128th with an A/TO of 1.13.
Massachusetts ranks 191st in offensive rebounds, while Saint Joseph’s ranks at 24th in defensive rebounds.
On average, Massachusetts forces a turnover rate of 17.5%. When Saint Joseph’s turns over the ball at a similar or higher rate, the team has a winning 3-1 record.
