The Troy Trojans will be at Holmes Convocation Center to take on the Appalachian State Mountaineers in a Sun Belt matchup. The game starts at 3:30 pm ET on Saturday, Feb. 20.
The Mountaineers are hoping for a better outcome after their 75-71 loss to South Alabama on Thursday. Frank Eaves was the team’s high scorer, finishing with 27 points. The Trojans, meanwhile, are coming off a 61-54 win against that same South Alabama squad on Tuesday. Wesley Person shot 11 for 20 and led in scoring with 28 points.
John Walton III has been on a tear for the Trojans, averaging 16.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks over the past five games.
This is the second game of the year between these two teams, with the Mountaineers winning the first matchup 75-71. Walton III played a big role with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
The Mountaineers enter the game with records of 6-20 Straight Up (SU) and 13-11 Against The Spread (ATS). The Mountaineers have seen a decline in scoring as of late, averaging 64.0 points during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 70.3 points per game. Over their past 10 games, the Appalachian State defense has been playing lights out, only allowing 69.7 points per game, well under their season average of 77.6. The Mountaineers have limited opponents’ efforts from beyond the arc, allowing 5.0 three-pointers made per game.
As for their opponent, the Trojans have 9-17 SU and 10-14 ATS records. The Trojans are in for a physical game against Appalachian State. The Mountaineers are not afraid to send opponents to the free throw line, averaging 22.2 fouls per game.
Following the Mountaineers’ latest win over the Trojans, their SU record is now 3-0 over Troy. The Mountaineers also lead the matchup ATS with a record of 2-1.
Predictions: SU Winner – App, ATS Winner – App
Notes
“Appalachian State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games “.
“Appalachian State is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games “.
“Appalachian State is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home”.
“The total has gone OVER in 5 of Appalachian State’s last 6 games at home”.
“The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Troy’s last 5 games on the road”.
Appalachian State averages 70.5 possessions per game, scoring .997 points on each possession. While Troy averages fewer possessions per game with 70.3, they score more points per possession with 1.009.
The Appalachian State Mountaineers average an effective field goal percentage of 47.4% this season. The Troy Trojans have an underachieving record of 4-16 when opponents have an eFG% of 47.4% or greater.
On average, Appalachian State attempts 22.0 three pointers and Troy attempts 21.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, both have losing records. The Appalachian State Mountaineers are 4-15 while the Troy Trojans are 6-11.
The Appalachian State Mountaineers average 4.2 steals per game. When giving up 4 or more steals, the Troy Trojans have a losing record (8-15) this season.
