The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-13, 1-8 ACC) will attempt to put an end to their seven-game losing streak when they challenge the Florida State Seminoles (16-5, 5-4 ACC) at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 31, 2018.
Florida State is a 3-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 158 points.
Florida State Seminoles vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons Betting Prediction
The Seminoles come in on a high note after topping the Miami (FL) Hurricanes in their last outing, 103-94. The Seminoles knocked down 28 of their 39 free throws (71.8 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.682 (above their season average of 0.542). With 21 points on 6-for-11 shooting, Phil Cofer led Florida State in scoring.
In the Demon Deacons’ last matchup, they lost big to the Louisville Cardinals, 96-77. Louisville’s 8.2 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Wake Forest, who had a rate of 22.7. The Cardinals’ mark was better than their season average of 15.0, while the Demon Deacons’ was above their season average of 17.0. Wake Forest’s Doral Moore finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds in the contest.
The prolific offense of Florida State will square off against the bottom-tier defense of Wake Forest. The Seminoles currently rank 23rd in offensive efficiency, while the Demon Deacons are 273rd in defensive efficiency. The Seminoles should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Florida State comes into the contest with records of 16-5 straight up (SU) and 12-5-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to set the total low when the Seminoles are involved, as 12 of their 19 games have ended over the total.
Meanwhile, Wake Forest is 8-13 SU and 6-13 ATS. Unlike Florida State, Demon Deacons games have a tendency to go under the total (68.4 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Braian Angola (18.4 points, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals) has been great for the Seminoles while Moore (12.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks) has contributed greatly to the Demon Deacons.
After the Seminoles won the only game against the Demon Deacons last season, 88-72, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Seminoles made 23 of their 31 free throws (74.2 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (15.9 vs. 19.3).
Florida State Seminoles at Wake Forest Demon Deacons Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Florida State, ATS Winner – Florida State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Florida State is 6-3-1 ATS with 6 overs and 4 unders.
Wake Forest is 3-6 ATS at home with 5 unders and 4 overs.
Florida State averages 16.4 assists per game, which ranks 35th in the NCAA. Wake Forest ranks 195th in assists allowed per game (14.8).
The Seminoles rank 81st in three pointers attempted per game (24.0) while the Demon Deacons rank 222nd in three pointers allowed per game (24.0).
Florida State ranks 26th in rebounds per game (39.8) while Wake Forest ranks 124th (36.3).
The Seminoles rank 55th in steals per game (7.3) while the Demon Deacons rank 146th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
Florida State ranks 31st in blocks per game (4.9) while Wake Forest ranks 102nd (3.6).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Florida State is 4-1 ATS with 5 overs.
Wake Forest is 0-5 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Seminoles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.8, down from 12.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Demon Deacons have scored an average of 66.0 points per game (8.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 80.0 points per game (5.2 above their season average).
