The Appalachian State Mountaineers (5-8) look to snap their six-game road losing streak in a matchup against the South Alabama Jaguars (7-6) at Mitchell Center. The game is scheduled to start at 9:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. South Alabama Jaguars ATS Prediction
In the Mountaineers’ last matchup, they blew out the Mars Hill Lions, 125-62. The Mountaineers had a much better turnover percentage (11.5 vs. 27.5) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.729 vs. 0.427). With 23 points on 9-for-12 shooting, Justin Forrest was the top scorer from either team.
The Jaguars were blown out by the No. 11 Auburn Tigers in their last game, 101-58. Auburn’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over South Alabama. The Tigers had a rate of 14.0, while the Jaguars posted a mark of 28.3. Rodrick Sikes had a good performance for South Alabama, leading both teams in scoring with 25 points on 8-for-18 shooting.
It will be a showdown of opposite paces as the up-tempo Mountaineers (ranked 28th in the country in possessions per game) will look to push the slower-paced Jaguars (224th in possessions per game).
After the Jaguars won both meetings against the Mountaineers last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last game, South Alabama won 77-66. The Jaguars made 21 of their 26 free throws (80.8 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (14.9 vs. 19.2).
Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. South Alabama Jaguars Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – South Alabama, ATS Winner – South Alabama, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
South Alabama ranks 24th in blocks per game (4.9) while Appalachian State ranks 140th (2.6).
The Mountaineers rank 80th in rebounds per game (37.9) while the Jaguars rank 158th in rebounds allowed per game (36.2).
South Alabama ranks seventh in three pointers allowed per game (17.6) while Appalachian State ranks 29th (19.2).
The Jaguars rank 55th in assists per game (15.4) while the Mountaineers rank 65th in assists allowed per game (11.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Mountaineers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, down from 4.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Jaguars have scored an average of 72.8 points per game (0.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.0 points per game (2.9 above their season average).
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