The Davidson Wildcats (18-11, 13-5 A10) take on the Saint Louis Billikens (17-15, 10-9 A10) in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tourney at Capital One Arena. The game will air on NBC Sports Network at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018.
Saint Louis Billikens vs. Davidson Wildcats ATS Prediction
The Billikens will be hoping for similar success after topping the George Washington Colonials in their last contest, 70-63. The Billikens had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.477 (above their season average of 0.299) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.557 (above their season average of 0.471). Hasahn French led the way for Saint Louis, contributing 11 points and 10 rebounds.
In the Wildcats’ last game, they won a close one over the No. 17 Rhode Island Rams, 63-61. One of Davidson’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 12-14 (85.7 percent), while the Rams were just 5-11 (45.5 percent). Peyton Aldridge was Davidson’s high scorer with 18 points on 6-for-14 shooting.
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams face off. Davidson currently ranks 319th in possessions per game (66.1) and Saint Louis is 342nd (64.5). Moreover, the Billikens are among the nation’s elite on the offensive backboards, ranking 37th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.0 percent). The Wildcats, however, rank 11th at securing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 77.4 percent.
Aldridge has averaged 27.8 points and 11.8 rebounds over the last five games for Davidson.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Aldridge scored a game-high 21 points and the Wildcats beat the Billikens 54-51. He also put up seven rebounds. Davidson had a better turnover percentage (21.1 vs. 23.1). Saint Louis, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.222 vs. 0.167).
Saint Louis Billikens vs. Davidson Wildcats Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Saint Louis, ATS Winner – Saint Louis, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Davidson ranks 16th in three-pointers attempted per game (27.7) while Saint Louis ranks 279th (17.2).
The Wildcats rank 16th in assists per game (16.9) while the Billikens rank 233rd (12.0).
Saint Louis ranks 36th in blocks per game (4.5) while Davidson ranks 225th (2.0).
The Billikens rank 101st in rebounds per game (36.4) while the Wildcats rank 230th (33.3).
Saint Louis ranks 137th in steals per game (6.1) while Davidson ranks 225th (4.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Billikens have been outscored by an average of 0.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Saint Louis has defeated opponents by an average of 1.0 point.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 81.2 points per game (4.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.6 points per game (5.5 above their season average).
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