The Belmont Bruins (9-2) put their six-game winning streak on the line when they square off with the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8-5) at Curb Event Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Belmont Bruins Free Prediction
In the Gamecocks’ last outing, they were blown out by the Samford Bulldogs, 92-72. Samford’s 0.647 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Jacksonville State, who had a rate of 0.421. Jason Burnell led Jacksonville State in scoring with 16 points on 4-for-10 shooting.
The Bruins beat the Illinois State Redbirds in their last game, 100-89. The Bruins had a better free throw rate (0.169 vs. 0.083) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.6 vs. 21.1). With 13 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, Grayson Murphy played well for Belmont.
After the Gamecocks won both games against the Bruins last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent game, Jacksonville State won 78-67. The Gamecocks made 11 of their 15 free throws (73.3 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.4 vs. 19.0).
Kevin McClain and Nick Muszynski have played at a high level over the last five games for Belmont. McClain has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Muszynski has put up 0 points a game during that span.
It will be a matchup of opposite paces as the up-tempo Bruins will look to push the more half-court-oriented Gamecocks. The Bruins currently rank 10th in possessions per game while the Gamecocks are 229th.
Jacksonville State at Belmont Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Jacksonville State, ATS Winner – Belmont, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Belmont ranks 12th in three pointers attempted per game (28.8) while Jacksonville State ranks 244th (17.8).
The Gamecocks rank 69th in rebounds per game (38.8) while the Bruins rank 210th in rebounds allowed per game (38.1).
Jacksonville State averages 4.8 blocks per game, which ranks 27th in the country. Belmont ranks 146th in blocks allowed per game (4.4).
The Bruins average 8.5 steals per game, which ranks 25th in the country. The Gamecocks rank 97th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
Belmont ranks fourth in assists per game (20.0) while Jacksonville State ranks 71st (14.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Gamecocks have been outscored by an average of 1.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Jacksonville State has defeated opponents by an average of 8.8 points.
During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 94.8 points per game (7.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.6 points per game (6.2 below their season average).
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