It will be a battle between CUSA opponents when the UAB Blazers (9-5, 1-0 CUSA) welcome the FIU Golden Panthers (10-4, 1-0 CUSA) to Bartow Arena. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
FIU Golden Panthers vs. UAB Blazers Free Prediction
In the Golden Panthers’ last game, they blew out the Webber International Warriors, 110-84. FIU’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Webber International. The Golden Panthers had a rate of 14.8, while the Warriors posted a mark of 22.4. FIU received a boost from Brian Beard Jr., who contributed 20 points, nine assists and six rebounds.
The Blazers beat the Mercer Bears in their last matchup, 75-67. The Blazers had a much better free throw rate (0.537 vs. 0.322) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.8 vs. 25.6). With 12 points and five assists, Zack Bryant played well for UAB.
After the Blazers won the lone contest against the Golden Panthers last season, 75-64, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. UAB had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.5 vs. 24.4). FIU, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.200 vs. 0.172).
Beard Jr. and Devon Andrews have been playing well over the last five games for FIU. Beard Jr. has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Andrews has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the UAB offense. UAB ranks 280th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.8 percent), while the disruptive defense of FIU forces the second-most turnovers in the country (26.9 percent). This game should be a matchup of conflicting paces. The up-tempo Golden Panthers rank first in possessions per game, while the more methodical Blazers rank 312th.
FIU vs. UAB Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – FIU, ATS Winner – FIU, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UAB ranks 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while FIU ranks 265th (44.4).
The Golden Panthers rank fourth in three pointers attempted per game (30.6) while the Blazers rank 215th (20.0).
FIU ranks 31st in assists per game (16.7) while UAB ranks 182nd (12.3).
The Golden Panthers average 12.4 steals per game, which ranks first in the country. The Blazers rank 79th in steals allowed per game (6.0).
FIU ranks 55th in blocks per game (4.1) while UAB ranks 58th in blocks allowed per game (3.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Panthers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 20.8, up from 10.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Blazers have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (2.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.4 points per game (1.1 above their season average).
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