Offense meets defense when the No. 22 Auburn Tigers (15-1, 3-0 SEC) head to Mississippi State to take on the Bulldogs (13-3, 1-2 SEC). The game starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 13, 2018, and will air on SEC Network.
Auburn Tigers vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs Betting Prediction
In the Tigers’ last outing, they defeated the Ole Miss Rebels, 85-70. The Tigers made 29 of their 37 free throws (78.4 percent) and held the Rebels to an effective field goal percentage of 0.400 (below their season average of 0.516). Auburn received a boost from Anfernee McLemore, who put up 13 points and nine rebounds.
The Bulldogs were beaten by the Florida Gators in their last contest, 71-54. Florida’s 0.207 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Mississippi State, who had a mark of 0.091. The Gators’ mark was below their season average of 0.268, while the Bulldogs’ was below their season average of 0.225. Mississippi State’s Abdul Ado finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds in the game.
The offensive glass could be a huge advantage for Mississippi State in this meeting. The Bulldogs are among the NCAA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 60th in offensive rebounding percentage at 33.9 percent. Meanwhile, Auburn ranks 161st in the NCAA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 71.8 percent. Furthermore, the Tigers rank 22nd in offensive efficiency (117.6), while the Bulldogs rank 14th in defensive efficiency (91.4).
After the Tigers won the sole contest against the Bulldogs last season, 98-92, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Tigers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.7 vs. 19.4) and had a better turnover percentage (13.2 vs. 14.9).
Auburn Tigers at Mississippi State Bulldogs Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Auburn, ATS Winner – Auburn, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Auburn ranks 46th in three pointers attempted per game (25.8) while Mississippi State ranks 207th in three pointers allowed per game (24.4).
The Tigers rank seventh in rebounds per game (41.6) while the Bulldogs rank 118th in rebounds allowed per game (34.6).
Mississippi State ranks 45th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while Auburn ranks 110th (6.6).
The Bulldogs rank 34th in assists allowed per game (11.3) while the Tigers rank 83rd (12.6).
Mississippi State ranks 15th in blocks per game (5.8) while Auburn ranks 50th in blocks allowed per game (2.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Tigers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.4, up from 14.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 73.8 points per game (1.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.0 points per game (7.0 above their season average).
