The Furman Paladins (14-2, 3-1 SoCon) put their 12-game winning streak on the line when they challenge the VMI Keydets (6-9, 0-3 SoCon) at Cameron Hall. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 10, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.
Furman Paladins at VMI Keydets Free Prediction
The last time the Paladins played, they dismantled the Bob Jones University Bruins, 102-48. The Paladins had a much better turnover percentage (3.7 vs. 29.2) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.4 vs. 17.2). Furman rallied around Matt Rafferty, who was the game’s high scorer with 24 points on 9-for-11 shooting.
The Keydets easily got past the Washington College Shoremen in their last matchup, 89-56. The Keydets had a much better free throw rate (0.235 vs. 0.081) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.537 vs. 0.338). With 11 points and 10 assists, VMI’s Greg Parham played well.
After the Paladins won both meetings against the Keydets last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Furman won 76-54. Furman was lights out from beyond the arc (11-26; 42.3 percent). VMI, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.0 vs. 20.0).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Rafferty (0 points) has been great for the Paladins while Bubba Parham (0 points) has made solid contributions to the Keydets.
VMI may have trouble getting to the charity stripe in this meeting. The Keydets currently rank 267th in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.206, while Furman ranks first in FTA rate allowed (0.136). Additionally, the Paladins’ 39th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 114.1) will attempt to exploit the Keydets’ 256th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 105.0).
Furman Paladins at VMI Keydets Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – VMI, ATS Winner – Furman, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Furman ranks 65th in rebounds per game (38.6) while VMI ranks 249th in rebounds allowed per game (40.0).
The Paladins rank 32nd in assists per game (16.6) while the Keydets rank 187th in assists allowed per game (14.7).
VMI averages 28.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 15th in the NCAA. Furman ranks 163rd in three pointers allowed per game (23.4).
The Paladins rank 15th in steals per game (9.1) while the Keydets rank 99th (6.7).
Furman ranks 59th in blocks per game (4.1) while VMI ranks 114th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
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The Paladins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 21.2, up from 13.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Keydets have scored an average of 80.4 points per game (4.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.6 points per game (7.5 below their season average).
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