The No.5-seeded Georgia Southern Eagles (14-16) challenge the No.8-seeded South Alabama Jaguars (13-18) in the first round of the SBC tournament at Lakefront Arena. Action starts at 6:00 pm ET on Thursday, Mar. 10 and will air on ES3.
The Eagles were beaten by Louisiana-Lafayette 87-78 in their last game. Mike Hughes had a good outing, putting up 23 points, five steals, and four rebounds for Georgia Southern. The Jaguars, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after the 68-57 loss against Texas State in their last outing. Don MuepoKelly played well for South Alabama, accounting for seven points, six rebounds, and one steal.
Over the last five games, Hughes has taken his game to another level for the Eagles. During that stretch, he has averaged 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 1.8 steals, 0.5 blocks, and 3.5 three-pointers.
The Jaguars have won both contests against the Eagles this season, including an 80-76 victory in their last matchup. Despite the loss, Jake Allsmiller was a top performer in the game with 29 points, three rebounds, and eight three-pointers.
The Eagles come into this game 14-16 Straight Up (SU) and 15-9 Against The Spread (ATS). The Eagles have stifled opponents’ efforts from beyond the arc, allowing a three-point field goal percentage of only .335.
On the other side, South Alabama has a SU record of 13-18 and an ATS record of 15-14. South Alabama performed well ATS during its last 10 games, earning an 8-2 record. South Alabama’s defense is one of the top in the nation, with opponents shooting only .424 from the field.
With the Jaguars’ last win against Georgia Southern, their SU record is now 5-2 over Georgia Southern in their most recent meetings. Additionally, South Alabama leads the matchup ATS with a record of 6-1. South Alabama held the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers once in the last five, while Georgia Southern wasn’t able to do so in that span.
Predictions: SU Winner – GaSo, ATS Winner – GaSo
Notes
The South Alabama Jaguars have a defensive rating of 104.2 (ranked 66th), while the Georgia Southern Eagles have an offensive rating of 107.4 (ranked 141st).
The Georgia Southern Eagles average 71.1 possessions and 1.074 points per possession in games this season. The South Alabama Jaguars average fewer possessions with 70.8, as well as fewer points per possession with .980.
The Georgia Southern Eagles average an effective field goal percentage of 48.8% this season. The South Alabama Jaguars have a subpar record of 2-12 when opponents have an eFG% of 48.8% or greater.
Georgia Southern ranks 75th in offensive rebounding. South Alabama ranks 170th in defensive rebounding.
The Georgia Southern Eagles make an average of 7.5 steals per game. The South Alabama Jaguars are 3-4 when they allow 7 or more steals.
