The Saint Louis Billikens (16-15, 9-9 A10) take on the George Washington Colonials (15-17, 8-11 A10) in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tourney at Capital One Arena. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018, and will air on NBC Sports Network.
George Washington Colonials vs. Saint Louis Billikens ATS Prediction
In the Colonials’ last outing, they beat the Fordham Rams, 78-72. The Colonials had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 45.2 (above their season average of 30.9) and had a free throw rate of 0.291 (above their season average of 0.203). George Washington received a boost from Arnaldo Toro, who put up 11 points and 15 rebounds.
The Billikens were beaten by the St. Bonaventure Bonnies in their last outing, 64-56. St. Bonaventure’s 0.400 free throw rate was their largest strength over Saint Louis, who had a rate of 0.224. The Bonnies’ mark was above their season average of 0.307, while the Billikens’ was below their season average of 0.302. With six points and 16 rebounds, Saint Louis’ Hasahn French had a solid performance.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams face off. Saint Louis ranks 340th in possessions per game (64.7) and George Washington is 324th (65.9).
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Colonials lost 62-53. Toro put up 14 points and 16 rebounds. The Billikens had a much better free throw rate (0.380 vs. 0.200) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.430 vs. 0.382).
George Washington Colonials vs. Saint Louis Billikens Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – George Washington, ATS Winner – George Washington, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
George Washington ranks 19th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Saint Louis ranks 117th (3.4).
The Colonials rank 154th in assists per game (13.4) while the Billikens rank 231st (12.1).
Saint Louis ranks 36th in rebounds allowed per game (32.0) while George Washington ranks 71st (32.9).
The Billikens rank 134th in steals per game (6.2) while the Colonials rank 166th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
Saint Louis is 37th in the nation with 19.3 three-pointers allowed per game while George Washington is 46th with 19.5 three-pointers allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Colonials have outscored opponents by an average of 5.8 points in their last five games. On the season, George Washington has been defeated by an average of 2.7 points.
During their last five games, the Billikens have scored an average of 61.8 points per game (4.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.4 points per game (2.6 below their season average).
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