The George Mason Patriots (15-16, 9-9 A10) go head-to-head against the Massachusetts Minutemen (13-19, 6-13 A10) in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tourney at Capital One Arena. The game starts at 2:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018, and will air on NBC Sports Network.
Massachusetts Minutemen vs. George Mason Patriots ATS Prediction
The last time the Minutemen played, they defeated the La Salle Explorers, 69-67. Massachusetts’ 29.0 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over La Salle, who had a rate of 20.0. The Minutemen’s mark was above their season average of 27.2, while the Explorers’ was below their season average of 25.7. With 21 points on 6-for-10 shooting, C.J. Anderson was the top scorer from either team.
The Patriots fell to the Richmond Spiders in their last matchup, 93-79. Richmond launched 18 three-pointers, making 10 of them (55.6 percent). George Mason, on the other hand, was 3-14 (21.4 percent). Otis Livingston II put together a solid performance for George Mason, leading the team in scoring with 21 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
George Mason could have a difficult time creating turnovers. Massachusetts ranks 170th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 18.5 percent), while George Mason forces the 27th-fewest turnovers (15.9 percent).
Anderson has averaged 15.0 points and 6.0 assists over the last five games for Massachusetts.
The Patriots have won both games against the Minutemen this season, including a narrow two-point victory the last time these teams met. The Patriots’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Minutemen. George Mason had a rate of 30.0, while Massachusetts posted a mark of 24.4. Despite the loss, Anderson was a top performer in the game with 21 points and six rebounds.
Massachusetts Minutemen vs. George Mason Patriots Free Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Massachusetts, ATS Winner – Massachusetts, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Massachusetts ranks 62nd in three-pointers allowed per game (19.9) while George Mason ranks 260th (24.3).
The Minutemen rank 61st in assists per game (15.4) while the Patriots rank 250th (11.7).
George Mason ranks 90th in rebounds per game (36.7) while Massachusetts ranks 245th (33.0).
The Patriots rank 150th in steals per game (6.0) while the Minutemen rank 237th (4.8).
Massachusetts ranks 155th in blocks per game (3.0) while George Mason ranks 192nd in blocks allowed per game (4.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Minutemen’s average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.8, up from 2.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Patriots have scored an average of 75.8 points per game (3.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.8 points per game (2.9 above their season average).
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