It will be a battle between CAA opponents when the Drexel Dragons (6-8, 0-2 CAA) welcome the Charleston Cougars (11-3, 2-0 CAA) to John A Daskalakis Center. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 5, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 137 points with Charleston set as a 7-point favorite.
Charleston Cougars at Drexel Dragons Free Prediction
The Cougars will be looking for similar success after topping the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens in their last matchup, 93-78. The Cougars had a phenomenal effective field goal percentage of 0.760 (above their season average of 0.496) and had a free throw rate of 0.417 (above their season average of 0.301). Charleston was led by Joe Chealey, who was the top scorer from either team with 29 points on 8-for-12 shooting.
In the Dragons’ last game, they lost big to the UNCW Seahawks, 107-87. UNCW’s rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Seahawks had 14 offensive rebounds and 43 total rebounds, while the Dragons had six and 24, respectively. Drexel’s Troy Harper contributed 21 points in the game.
Drexel might have trouble finding the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the nation’s best defenses. Charleston ranks 83rd in defensive efficiency while the Dragons rank 214th in offensive efficiency. Ball security should be an advantage for the Cougars. They rank 23rd at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.1 percent), while the Dragons force the 51st-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.0 percent).
Charleston holds records of 11-3 straight up (SU) and 5-4-1 against the spread (ATS). There does not appear to be a trend for games involving the Cougars in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Drexel owns records of 6-8 SU and 4-5-1 ATS. Vegas is known to place the total low when the Dragons are involved, as six of their 10 games have finished over the projected point total.
Grant Riller has averaged 20.6 points and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Charleston.
After the Cougars won both contests against the Dragons last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Charleston won 80-67. The Cougars had a much better free throw rate (0.500 vs. 0.269) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.1 vs. 20.6).
Charleston Cougars at Drexel Dragons Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Charleston, ATS Winner – Charleston, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Charleston is 3-2-1 ATS with 3 overs and 3 unders.
At home, Drexel is 1-2 ATS with 2 unders and 1 over.
Drexel ranks 94th in rebounds per game (37.7) while Charleston ranks 240th (32.6).
The Cougars rank 47th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while the Dragons rank 177th (14.6).
Charleston ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (3.9) while Drexel ranks 101st (6.4).
The Cougars rank 25th in three pointers allowed per game (18.1) while the Dragons rank 121st (21.8).
Drexel averages 4.2 blocks per game, which ranks 64th in the NCAA. Charleston ranks 85th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Charleston is 3-0-1 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders.
Drexel is 1-3 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.6, up from 7.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Dragons have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 79.4 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
