The Utah Valley Wolverines (22-9, 11-4 WAC) square off with the Grand Canyon Antelopes (21-10, 10-5 WAC) in the Western Athletic Conference Tourney at Orleans Arena. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018.
Grand Canyon Antelopes vs. Utah Valley Wolverines ATS Prediction
The Antelopes come in on a high note after edging the UMKC Kangaroos in their last contest, 77-74. The Antelopes, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.4, had an extraordinary mark of 45.0 and had a turnover percentage of 12.7 (better than their season average of 16.3). Grand Canyon was led by Oscar Frayer, who contributed 13 points and 15 rebounds.
In the Wolverines’ last matchup, they defeated the Bakersfield Roadrunners, 81-74. The Wolverines knocked down 21 of their 25 free throws (84.0 percent) and held the Roadrunners to an offensive rebounding percentage of 24.3 (below their season average of 32.6). Jake Toolson was Utah Valley’s high scorer with 19 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Utah Valley (36th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 113.7) takes on the stingy defense of Grand Canyon (fourth in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 91.9). Also, the Antelopes are among the nation’s best at getting to the line, ranking 41st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.283). The Wolverines, meanwhile, rank 27th at keeping opponents off the charity stripe with an opponents’ FTA rate of 0.185.
Conner Toolson has averaged 14.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 steals over the last five games for Utah Valley.
The two teams have split their two matchups this season. The Antelopes won the most recent matchup 60-59. Grand Canyon had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.8 vs. 20.0). Utah Valley, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.200 vs. 0.169). Toolson was a top performer in the game with 14 points and seven rebounds.
Grand Canyon Antelopes vs. Utah Valley Wolverines ATS Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Grand Canyon, ATS Winner – Grand Canyon, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Grand Canyon ranks fifth in assists allowed per game (9.8) while Utah Valley ranks 209th (14.5).
The Wolverines rank 20th in rebounds allowed per game (31.2) while the Antelopes rank 210th (36.4).
Grand Canyon ranks ninth in three pointers allowed per game (16.8) while Utah Valley ranks 114th (20.8).
The Antelopes rank 120th in steals per game (6.3) while the Wolverines rank 207th in steals allowed per game (7.5).
Grand Canyon ranks 13th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Utah Valley ranks 72nd (3.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Antelopes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.2, down from 9.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 73.4 points per game (5.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.0 points per game (7.5 below their season average).
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