The Southeastern Louisiana Lions (22-11) meet the No. 25 Saint Mary’s Gaels (28-5) in the NIT at McKeon Pavilion. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, and will air on ESPNU.
Saint Mary’s opened as a 16-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 141 points.
Southeastern Louisiana Lions at Saint Mary’s Gaels Free Prediction
In the Lions’ last game, they were beaten by the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, 59-55. Stephen F. Austin won the rebounding battle. The Lumberjacks had 13 offensive rebounds and 34 total rebounds, while the Lions had four and 27, respectively. Marlain Veal had a good outing for Southeastern Louisiana, recording 12 points, six rebounds and five assists.
The Gaels lost to the BYU Cougars in their last contest, 85-72. One of BYU’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 14-16 (87.5 percent), while the Gaels were just 8-10 (80.0 percent). With 27 points on 10-for-18 shooting, Jordan Ford led Saint Mary’s in scoring.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball security could play a significant role in this showdown. Saint Mary’s commits the 15th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 15.2 percent), while the disruptive defense of Southeastern Louisiana forces the 34th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 21.6 percent).
Southeastern Louisiana heads into the contest with records of 22-11 straight up (SU) and 2-0 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has been spot on when predicting totals of Lions games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Saint Mary’s has an outstanding 28-5 SU record, but they are just 12-17 ATS. Games involving the Gaels have typically finished under the O/U total (69.0 percent).
Southeastern Louisiana Lions vs. Saint Mary’s Gaels Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Southeastern Louisiana, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Saint Mary’s ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (27.8) while Southeastern Louisiana ranks 171st (35.2).
The Lions rank 83rd in steals per game (6.7) while the Gaels rank 247th (4.3).
Southeastern Louisiana ranks 179th in three pointers attempted per game (21.0) while Saint Mary’s ranks 242nd (19.1).
The Lions rank 22nd in assists allowed per game (10.8) while the Gaels rank 66th (11.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Lions’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.2, up from 3.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (5.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.6 points per game (1.9 below their season average).
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