It will be a matchup between two of the nation’s top scoring defenses when the Marshall Thundering Herd (13-12) go head-to-head against the Charlotte 49ers (10-15). The game gets underway at 7:00 pm ET on Thursday, Feb. 18.
The Thundering Herd enter this game hoping for similar success after barely hanging on to beat Western Kentucky 96-93 in their last game. Jon Elmore played a pivotal role, recording his first double-double of the season with 24 points and 10 assists. The 49ers, meanwhile, are coming off a 103-79 win against North Texas in their last outing. Braxton Ogbueze was the team’s top scorer, accounting for 19 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
Over the last five games, Elmore has really been playing well for the Thundering Herd, averaging 17.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 4.2 three-pointers. Joseph Uchebo has also upped his play in the same span, averaging 16.8 points, 12.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.8 blocks while leading the 49ers.
When considering eFG%, the Thundering Herd figure to have a significant advantage on the offensive end. They rank 32nd in the nation in that category at 54.0%, whereas the porous defense of Charlotte ranks 344th in eFG% with opponents connecting at a clip of 55.2%.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the 49ers winning the first matchup 103-95. Andrien White put up 30 points and 10 rebounds.
The Thundering Herd enter the game with records of 13-12 Straight Up (SU) and 15-9 Against The Spread (ATS). In their last 10 games, they are 7-2 ATS. The Thundering Herd have no trouble scoring as they rank fourth in the nation in offense with 85.0 points per game. The Thundering Herd are an impressive three-point shooting team with 10.0 made per game, one of the highest marks in Division I. Marshall has the 18th-most assists in Division I, averaging 16.9 per game. The Marshall defense has been on fire lately, allowing an average of 76.2 points per game, well under their season average of 84.0.
As for their opponent, the 49ers fare well ATS, sitting at 16-7. However, they are only 10-15 SU. Most recently, Charlotte is 7-3 ATS over the last 10 games. Offensively, the 49ers have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 78.0 points per game by averaging 93.6 during that stretch. Charlotte is one of the top three-point shooting teams in the nation, making .387 of their shots from three-point range. The Charlotte defense has allowed an average of 87.0 points per game during the last 10 games, higher than their season average of 79.8.
With the 49ers’ last win against Marshall, their SU record is now 4-1 over Marshall in their most recent meetings. Additionally, with a 3-2 record, Charlotte has the advantage ATS. During their latest five matchups, neither team ever held the advantage in field goals, rebounds, or three-pointers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Marsh, ATS Winner – Marsh
Notes
Marshall averages 85.0 points per game (ranked fourth). The Charlotte defense has done poorly this season, giving up 79.8 PPG (ranked 240th).
Marshall is one of the top-scoring teams at home, averaging 85.3 points per game (ranked 19th). Charlotte, on the other hand, allows 79.9 points per away game (ranked 216th).
Charlotte won its last game by a 24-point margin. In games decided by a margin of 18 points or more, Marshall is 7-4. Charlotte is 4-3 in blowouts this season.
The Marshall Thundering Herd average 77.6 possessions and 1.096 points per possession in games this season. The Charlotte 49ers average fewer possessions with 71.5, as well as fewer points per possession with 1.091.
The Marshall Thundering Herd average an effective field goal percentage of 54.0% this season. The Charlotte 49ers have a losing record of 4-8 when opponents have an eFG% of 54.0% or greater.
Marshall attempts an average of 29.0 three pointers per game and Charlotte attempts 21.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Marshall Thundering Herd have a 13-12 record while the Charlotte 49ers have a 5-7 record.
Marshall ranks 55th in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.29, while Charlotte ranks 61st with an A/TO of 1.27.
On average, Marshall makes 7.2 steals per game. Charlotte is a poor 3-5 when it gives up at least 7 steals.
