It will be a battle between CUSA opponents when the Charlotte 49ers (5-9, 1-2 CUSA) welcome the Marshall Thundering Herd (11-5, 2-1 CUSA) to Dale F. Halton Arena. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 11, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 168.5 points with Marshall set as a 3.5-point favorite.
Marshall Thundering Herd at Charlotte 49ers ATS Prediction
In the Thundering Herd’s last contest, they were blown out by the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, 112-87. Western Kentucky’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Hilltoppers had more offensive rebounds (15 vs. seven), defensive rebounds (38 vs. 19) and total rebounds (53 vs. 26). Jon Elmore had a good outing for Marshall, recording 18 points, eight assists and five rebounds.
The 49ers lost to the Rice Owls in their last matchup, 73-64. Rice’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Charlotte. The Owls had a rate of 0.232 (below their season average of 0.290), while the 49ers posted a mark of 0.161 (below their season average of 0.287). Charlotte’s Andrien White put together a good game, leading the team in scoring with 18 points on 7-for-21 shooting.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Marshall figures to have a substantial edge. The upper-echelon Thundering Herd offense ranks 46th in the NCAA in that metric at 0.554, while the bottom-tier Charlotte defense is ranked 269th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.524).
Marshall heads into the contest with records of 11-5 straight up (SU) and 7-6 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Thundering Herd’s games have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Charlotte is 5-9 SU and 3-8 ATS. Contrary to Marshall, just over half of 49ers games have finished under the projected point total.
White has averaged 18.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals over the last five games for Charlotte.
After the Thundering Herd won both contests against the 49ers last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Marshall won 93-89. The Thundering Herd had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.8 vs. 14.6) and had a much better free throw rate (0.390 vs. 0.229).
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. Charlotte 49ers Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Marshall, ATS Winner – Marshall, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Marshall is 2-3 ATS on the road with 3 overs and 2 unders.
At home, Charlotte is 0-3 ATS with 1 over, 1 under and 1 push.
Marshall ranks 22nd in three pointers attempted per game (27.6) while Charlotte ranks 217th (18.9).
The Thundering Herd rank 13th in assists per game (18.2) while the 49ers rank 201st (12.0).
Marshall ranks fifth in blocks per game (6.6) while Charlotte ranks 152nd (2.5).
The 49ers rank 166th in rebounds allowed per game (36.1) while the Thundering Herd rank 248th (40.1).
Marshall ranks 68th in steals per game (7.1) while Charlotte ranks 140th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Marshall is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Charlotte is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Thundering Herd’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.6, down from 5.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the 49ers have scored an average of 67.4 points per game (4.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.6 points per game (3.8 below their season average).
