It will be a battle between CUSA opponents when the Marshall Thundering Herd (13-6, 4-2 CUSA) welcome the UAB Blazers (13-6, 4-2 CUSA) to Henderson Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 162.5 points with UAB opening as a 1-point favorite.
UAB Blazers at Marshall Thundering Herd Free Prediction
In the Blazers’ last game, they were topped by the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, 77-69. One of Western Kentucky’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 29 free throw attempts, while UAB had just three. William Lee played well for UAB, finishing with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
The Thundering Herd defeated the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in their last contest, 73-63. One of Marshall’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 28 free throw attempts, while Middle Tennessee had just 13. With 19 points, eight assists and six rebounds, Jon Elmore had a good outing for Marshall.
Second-chance opportunities might be rare for Marshall in this contest. The Thundering Herd rank 307th in offensive rebounding percentage (24.3 percent), while UAB ranks 28th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.7 percent).
C.J. Burks has averaged 24.6 points and 4.6 assists over the last five games for Marshall.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent game, the Thundering Herd won 74-59. The Thundering Herd had a much better turnover percentage (10.9 vs. 24.3) and had a better free throw rate (0.231 vs. 0.155).
UAB Blazers at Marshall Thundering Herd Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – UAB, ATS Winner – UAB, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
UAB ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (29.8) while Marshall ranks 259th (40.4).
The Thundering Herd average 27.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 23rd in the nation. The Blazers rank 232nd in three pointers allowed per game (24.6).
UAB ranks 26th in assists per game (17.0) while Marshall ranks 209th in assists allowed per game (15.6).
The Thundering Herd rank fifth in blocks per game (6.4) while the Blazers rank 92nd (3.7).
Marshall ranks 62nd in steals per game (7.2) while UAB ranks 112th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Blazers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, down from 12.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Thundering Herd have scored an average of 81.0 points per game (5.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 81.0 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
