A low-scoring game should be expected when the Georgia State Panthers (13-6, 4-2 SBC) and the Georgia Southern Eagles (14-5, 5-1 SBC) battle at GSU Sports Arena. The game starts at 2:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018, and will air on ESPN 3.
Georgia Southern Eagles at Georgia State Panthers ATS Prediction
In the Eagles’ last contest, they topped the Appalachian State Mountaineers, 60-59. Georgia Southern’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Appalachian State. The Eagles had a rate of 16.8 (worse than their season average of 14.0), while the Mountaineers posted a mark of 21.5 (above their season average of 17.4). With 21 points on 8-for-17 shooting, Tookie Brown was the top scorer from either team.
The Panthers defeated the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in their last matchup, 72-58. Georgia State’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Coastal Carolina. The Panthers had a rate of 12.7 (better than their season average of 14.9), while the Chanticleers posted a mark of 19.0. With 14 points and 11 rebounds, Malik Benlevi had a solid outing for Georgia State.
Points could be at a premium as two of the NCAA’s best defenses clash. Georgia State currently ranks 47th in defensive efficiency (95.6) and Georgia Southern is 41st (95.4). Also, the Eagles rank 57th in turnover percentage (16.9 percent), while the Panthers rank 12th in opponents’ turnover percentage (24.1 percent).
Jeff Thomas has averaged 14.8 points and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Georgia State.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last game, the Panthers won 72-67. The Panthers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.7 vs. 12.8) and had a better free throw rate (0.255 vs. 0.179).
Georgia Southern Eagles at Georgia State Panthers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Georgia State, ATS Winner – Georgia State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Georgia Southern ranks 22nd in rebounds per game (40.2) while Georgia State ranks 230th (32.9).
The Eagles rank 105th in three pointers attempted per game (23.5) while the Panthers rank 225th in three pointers allowed per game (24.3).
Georgia State ranks 170th in assists per game (13.0) while Georgia Southern ranks 253rd (10.2).
The Panthers rank 56th in blocks per game (4.4) while the Eagles rank 111th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
Both of these teams are exceptional at stealing the ball. Georgia State is 22nd in the NCAA with 8.3 steals per game while Georgia Southern is 59th with 7.3 steals per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.8, down from 10.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 72.2 points per game (0.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.6 points per game (0.5 below their season average).
