The Saint Peter’s Peacocks (8-13, 2-8 MAAC) will attempt to put an end to their six-game losing streak when they clash against the Niagara Purple Eagles (14-9, 7-3 MAAC) at Yanitelli Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, February 2, 2018.
Saint Peter’s opened as a 2.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 147 points.
Niagara Purple Eagles vs. Saint Peter’s Peacocks Betting Prediction
The Purple Eagles come in on a high note after beating the Canisius Golden Griffins in their last game, 105-89. The Purple Eagles knocked down 28 of their 32 free throws (87.5 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 50.0 (above their season average of 30.6). Niagara was led by Matt Scott, who recorded 23 points and 11 rebounds.
The last time the Peacocks played, they lost a tough one against the Siena Saints, 59-57. Siena out-rebounded Saint Peter’s. The Saints had more offensive rebounds (16 vs. six), defensive rebounds (37 vs. 31) and total rebounds (53 vs. 37). With 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting, Samuel Idowu was Saint Peter’s’ high scorer.
This game should be a showdown of conflicting tempos. Niagara has preferred an up-tempo style of play (26th in possessions per game), while Saint Peter’s has been slower-paced (306th in possessions per game).
Niagara heads into the game with records of 14-9 straight up (SU) and 11-8 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to place the total low when the Purple Eagles are involved, as 68.4 percent of their games have ended over the total.
Meanwhile, Saint Peter’s owns records of 8-13 SU and 6-10 ATS. Unlike Niagara, Peacocks games have typically gone under the O/U total (56.3 percent).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Peacocks lost 73-70, unable to cover as 1-point underdogs. Davauhnte Turner had 22 points. The game finished with a total of 143 points, which was just 2 points below the projected point total of 145 points. Niagara did an excellent job of making free throws (13-18; 72.2 percent). Saint Peter’s, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (22.6 vs. 20.0).
Niagara Purple Eagles vs. Saint Peter’s Peacocks Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Saint Peter’s, ATS Winner – Saint Peter’s, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Niagara is 7-3 ATS on the road with 8 overs and 2 unders.
At home, Saint Peter’s is 2-2 ATS with 3 overs and 1 under.
Niagara ranks 63rd in rebounds per game (38.0) while Saint Peter’s ranks 261st (32.2).
The Peacocks rank 88th in assists allowed per game (12.5) while the Purple Eagles rank 249th (16.8).
Niagara ranks 48th in blocks per game (4.3) while Saint Peter’s ranks 154th (2.8).
The Peacocks rank 80th in three pointers attempted per game (24.0) while the Purple Eagles rank 148th in three pointers allowed per game (22.3).
Niagara is 18th in the NCAA with 4.8 steals allowed per game while Saint Peter’s is 22nd with 5.0 steals allowed per game.
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Niagara is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Saint Peter’s is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Purple Eagles have outscored opponents by an average of 3.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Niagara has been defeated by an average of 1.2 points.
During their last five games, the Peacocks have scored an average of 65.6 points per game (1.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.2 points per game (2.3 above their season average).
