The Marshall Thundering Herd (9-4) will attempt to lengthen their eight-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (7-6) at Henderson Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 28, 2017.
Marshall opened as an 11-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 153 points.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Marshall Thundering Herd Free Prediction
The last time the Golden Eagles played, they were beaten by the Mississippi State Bulldogs, 70-64. Getting to the free throw line was one of Mississippi State’s largest advantages. They made 29 trips to the line, while Southern Miss went just 14 times. Cortez Edwards was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points on 9-for-17 shooting.
The Thundering Herd won big over the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in their last outing, 91-71. Marshall’s 0.218 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Eastern Kentucky, who had a mark of 0.108. The Thundering Herd’s mark was below their season average of 0.278, while the Colonels’ was below their season average of 0.277. With 13 points, 10 rebounds and nine blocks, Marshall’s Ajdin Penava had a good performance.
Conflicting paces will be on display in this contest. Marshall prefers a fast-paced style of play (fourth in possessions per game), while Southern Miss is methodical (285th in possessions per game).
Southern Miss holds records of 7-6 straight up (SU) and 4-4 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Golden Eagles have typically gone over the total (62.5 percent).
Meanwhile, Marshall owns records of 9-4 SU and 5-5 ATS. Similarly to Southern Miss, Thundering Herd games also tend to go over the projected point total (60.0 percent).
Penava has averaged 22.4 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.4 blocks and 2.0 steals over the last five games for Marshall.
After the Golden Eagles won the lone game against the Thundering Herd last season, 91-76, these teams will battle for the first time this year. The Golden Eagles had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.0 vs. 19.5) and had a better free throw rate (0.300 vs. 0.242).
Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Marshall Thundering Herd Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Marshall, ATS Winner – Marshall, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Southern Miss is 3-4 ATS on the road with 4 overs and 3 unders.
Marshall is 3-2 ATS at home with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Marshall averages 27.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 31st in the NCAA. Southern Miss ranks 235th in three pointers allowed per game (26.1).
The Thundering Herd rank eighth in blocks per game (6.3) while the Golden Eagles rank 199th (1.5).
Southern Miss averages 15.2 assists per game, which ranks 80th in the NCAA. Marshall ranks 204th in assists allowed per game (15.8).
The Thundering Herd rank 117th in rebounds per game (36.6) while the Golden Eagles rank 239th (32.3).
Southern Miss ranks first in steals allowed per game (3.6) while Marshall ranks 115th (6.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Southern Miss is 2-1 ATS with 3 overs.
Marshall is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Golden Eagles have been outscored by an average of 1.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Southern Miss has defeated opponents by an average of 3.7 points.
During their last five games, the Thundering Herd have scored an average of 86.0 points per game (3.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 80.2 points per game (2.5 below their season average).
