The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (25-6, 14-4 SthLnd) challenge the Central Arkansas Bears (17-15, 11-8 SthLnd) in the Southland Conference Tourney at Leonard E. Merrell Center. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018, and will air on ESPN 3.
Central Arkansas Bears vs. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks ATS Prediction
In the Bears’ last game, they beat the Lamar Cardinals, 67-57. The Bears knocked down 18 of their 24 free throws (75.0 percent) and held the Cardinals to an effective field goal percentage of 0.403 (below their season average of 0.499). Central Arkansas rallied around Jordan Howard, who was the game’s leading scorer with 26 points on 7-for-16 shooting.
The Lumberjacks beat the Sam Houston State Bearkats in their last outing, 65-53. Stephen F. Austin’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Sam Houston State. The Lumberjacks had a rate of 0.491 (below their season average of 0.553), while the Bearkats posted a mark of 0.330 (below their season average of 0.489). Leon Gilmore III was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points on 8-for-11 shooting.
There should be a fair amount of transition action in this matchup that features a pair of the nation’s more fast-paced teams. Stephen F. Austin ranks 25th in possessions per game (73.9) and Central Arkansas is 11th (75.2).
The two teams have split their two matchups this season. The Lumberjacks won the most recent matchup 97-62. The Lumberjacks had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.654 vs. 0.371) and had a much better turnover percentage (13.7 vs. 20.1). Shannon Bogues was a top performer in the victory, with 18 points and five assists.
Central Arkansas Bears vs. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks ATS Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Central Arkansas, ATS Winner – Central Arkansas, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Stephen F. Austin ranks 43rd in rebounds allowed per game (32.2) while Central Arkansas ranks 290th (39.5).
The Lumberjacks rank first in steals per game (10.5) while the Bears rank 195th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
Central Arkansas ranks 21st in blocks per game (5.0) while Stephen F. Austin ranks 175th (2.8).
The Bears rank 119th in three pointers attempted per game (22.9) while the Lumberjacks rank 260th (18.8).
Stephen F. Austin ranks 97th in assists per game (14.5) while Central Arkansas ranks 203rd in assists allowed per game (14.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Bears have been outscored by an average of 0.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Central Arkansas has defeated opponents by an average of 2.9 points.
During their last five games, the Lumberjacks have scored an average of 77.0 points per game (4.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.4 points per game (6.3 below their season average).
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