The Samford Bulldogs (13-17) will travel to McKenzie Arena to challenge the Chattanooga Mocs (24-5) in their home finale. Action begins at 5:00 pm ET on Saturday, Feb. 27 and can be seen on ES3.
The Mocs are hoping to rebound after their 79-64 loss to UNC Greensboro in their last matchup. Chuck Ester had a good outing, recording 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists for Chattanooga. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are coming off a 73-67 win against VMI in their last game. Jamal Shabazz played well for Samford, registering 13 points, one steal, and one block.
Wyatt Walker has upped his play for the Bulldogs, averaging 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.8 steals, and 2.0 blocks over the past five games.
This is the second game of the year between these two teams, with the Mocs winning the first matchup 63-56. Tre’ McLean finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Mocs come into this game 24-5 Straight Up (SU) and 16-9 Against The Spread (ATS). Over their last 10 games, they have only managed a record of 2-8 ATS. The Mocs have no trouble scoring as they rank 28th in the nation in home offense with 83.9 points per game. The Mocs are one of the best in Division I in terms of free throws made, making an impressive 16.0 per game. Chattanooga’s defense has fallen apart in the past 10 games. Its average points allowed per game rose to 78.4 during that span, compared to its 67.0 season average. Opponents have consistently had the ball stolen by the Mocs, who rank 32nd in the country in steals per game with 7.9.
As for their opponent, the Bulldogs have records of 12-15 ATS and 13-17 SU. Samford performed well ATS during its last 10 games, earning a 7-3 record. The Bulldogs average 74.0 points allowed per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 65.7 points per game during that span.
With the Mocs’ last win against Samford, their SU record is now 8-2 over Samford in their most recent games. The Mocs also lead the matchup ATS with a record of 6-3-1. Chattanooga held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers once in the last five matchups. On the other side of the court, Samford never accomplished this feat in that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – Chat, ATS Winner – Chat
Notes
“Chattanooga is 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games “.
“Chattanooga is 19-3 SU in its last 22 games “.
“Chattanooga is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home”.
“Chattanooga is 13-1 SU in its last 14 games at home”.
“The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chattanooga’s last 6 games at home”.
“Chattanooga is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Samford”.
“Chattanooga is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Samford”.
“The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chattanooga’s last 5 games when playing Samford”.
“Chattanooga is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Samford”.
“The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chattanooga’s last 7 games when playing at home against Samford”.
“The total has gone OVER in 5 of Samford’s last 7 games when playing on the road against Chattanooga”.
Chattanooga averages 76.9 points per game (ranked 79th). Samford, on the other hand, allows 74.0 points per game (ranked 189th).
Chattanooga scores 83.9 points per home game (ranked 28th). Samford ranks a poor 158th in points allowed on the road, allowing 75.4 points.
Ranked 43rd, the Chattanooga Mocs have an offensive rating of 113.2. The Samford Bulldogs rank 217th with a defensive rating of just 105.3.
The Samford Bulldogs average 70.3 possessions per game and 1.057 points per possession. The Chattanooga Mocs earn fewer possessions with 67.9, but they score more points with 1.132.
Samford has an average effective field goal percentage of 50.6%. Chattanooga is a winning 11-4 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
On average, the Chattanooga Mocs attempt 21.0 three point field goals per game and the Samford Bulldogs attempt 16.0. In games where they attempt at least 20 three pointers, Chattanooga has a formidable record of 14-4, while Samford has a losing record of 3-5.
Chattanooga ranks 79th in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.23. Samford is ranked lower at 220th with an A/TO of .99.
Samford makes an average of 6.9 steals per game. Chattanooga has a stellar 12-4 record when it allows at least 6 steals.
