The Saint Joseph’s Hawks (15-15, 10-8 A10) square off against the George Mason Patriots (16-16, 10-9 A10) in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tourney at Capital One Arena. The game starts at 2:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018, and will air on NBC Sports Network.
Saint Joseph’s opened as a 6-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 149.5 points.
George Mason Patriots vs. Saint Joseph’s Hawks Betting Prediction
The Patriots will be looking for a similar outcome after defeating the Massachusetts Minutemen in their last matchup, 80-75. The Patriots forced 18 turnovers and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 46.5 (above their season average of 27.5). George Mason received a boost from Otis Livingston II, who was the team’s leading scorer with 21 points on 3-for-11 shooting.
The last time the Hawks played, they were victorious over the La Salle Explorers, 78-70. The Hawks had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.333 (above their season average of 0.233) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.0 (above their season average of 23.2). James Demery was Saint Joseph’s’ leading scorer with 18 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
Saint Joseph’s could put on a ball-control clinic in this meeting. Saint Joseph’s ranks second in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 13.9 percent), while George Mason forces the 39th-fewest turnovers (16.2 percent).
George Mason heads into the contest with records of 16-16 straight up (SU) and 13-14 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring the Patriots have typically gone over the total (63.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Saint Joseph’s is 15-15 SU and 15-13 ATS. Games including the Hawks also have a tendency to finish over the O/U total (57.1 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Livingston II (18.0 points, 4.4 assists and 1.6 steals) has been fantastic for the Patriots while Nick Robinson (12.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals) has contributed greatly to the Hawks.
The Patriots have emerged victorious in both games against the Hawks this year, including a close three-point victory the last time these teams met. George Mason covered as a 7-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 155 points, which was 7.5 points above the projected point total of 147.5 points. The Patriots’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Hawks. George Mason had a rate of 25.0, while Saint Joseph’s posted a mark of 20.5. Goanar Mar had a standout performance in the victory, producing 16 points and six rebounds.
George Mason Patriots vs. Saint Joseph’s Hawks ATS Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Saint Joseph’s, ATS Winner – Saint Joseph’s, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
George Mason averages 36.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 88th in the nation. Saint Joseph’s ranks 273rd in rebounds allowed per game (38.7).
The Hawks average 24.0 three-pointers per game, which ranks 84th in the nation. The Patriots rank 246th in three-pointers allowed per game (24.0).
Saint Joseph’s ranks 13th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while George Mason ranks 142nd (6.4).
The Hawks rank 132nd in assists per game (13.9) while the Patriots rank 251st (11.6).
Saint Joseph’s averages 2.9 blocks per game, which ranks 160th in the NCAA. George Mason ranks 183rd in blocks allowed per game (4.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, George Mason is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Saint Joseph’s is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Patriots’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 3.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hawks have scored an average of 77.2 points per game (3.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (4.0 below their season average).
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