The LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds (18-16) take on the Radford Highlanders (22-12) in the First Four at University of Dayton Arena. The game starts at 6:40 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.
Radford is a 4.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 139 points.
LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds vs. Radford Highlanders Free Prediction
In the , the Blackbirds topped the Wagner Seahawks, 71-61. LIU Brooklyn’s 0.340 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Wagner, who had a rate of 0.186. The Blackbirds’ mark was above their season average of 0.263, while the Seahawks’ was below their season average of 0.262. With 32 points on 10-for-16 shooting, Joel Hernandez was the game’s leading scorer.
The Highlanders barely escaped the Liberty Flames in the , 55-52. The Highlanders had a turnover percentage of 11.1 (better than their season average of 16.3) and held the Flames to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.4 (below their season average of 24.4). Carlik Jones was Radford’s high scorer with 13 points on 5-for-12 shooting.
The offensive glass should be a huge advantage for Radford in this matchup. The Highlanders currently rank 37th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.0 percent), while LIU Brooklyn ranks 240th in defensive rebounding percentage (70.2 percent). Conflicting styles will be on display in this contest. The up-and-down Blackbirds rank 52nd in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Highlanders rank 349th.
LIU Brooklyn comes into the contest with records of 18-16 straight up (SU) and 3-4 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to set the total high when the Blackbirds are involved, as 66.7 percent of their games have ended under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Radford is 22-12 SU and 5-4 ATS. Similarly to LIU Brooklyn, Highlanders games also tend to finish under the O/U total (75.0 percent).
Carlik Jones has averaged 12.6 points, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals over the last five games for Radford.
LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds vs. Radford Highlanders Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Radford, ATS Winner – Radford, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Radford ranks 25th in rebounds allowed per game (31.4) while LIU Brooklyn ranks 218th (36.4).
The Blackbirds rank 35th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Highlanders rank 129th (3.4).
Radford ranks 28th in assists allowed per game (11.2) while LIU Brooklyn ranks 117th (13.0).
The Highlanders average 6.3 steals per game, which ranks 124th in the NCAA. The Blackbirds rank 170th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
Radford ranks 134th in three pointers attempted per game (22.1) while LIU Brooklyn ranks 141st in three pointers allowed per game (21.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Blackbirds’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.0, up from 0.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Highlanders have scored an average of 61.6 points per game (5.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 50.8 points per game (13.6 below their season average).
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