The LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds (6-6) and the Sacred Heart Pioneers (4-9), who both like to play fast, will battle at William Pitt Center – West Gym. The game gets underway at 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds vs. Sacred Heart Pioneers ATS Prediction
In the Blackbirds’ last matchup, they blew out the College of New Rochelle Blue Angels, 109-76. The Blackbirds had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.597 vs. 0.363) and had a better free throw rate (0.221 vs. 0.179). LIU Brooklyn was led by Ty Flowers, who put up 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.
The Pioneers were beaten by the Holy Cross Crusaders in their last contest, 93-81. Holy Cross’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Sacred Heart. The Crusaders had a rate of 11.3, while the Pioneers posted a mark of 27.1. With 23 points, Koreem Ozier put together a solid game for Sacred Heart.
After the Blackbirds won both meetings against the Pioneers last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, LIU Brooklyn won 88-77. The Blackbirds knocked down 18 of their 22 free throws (81.8 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (9.0 vs. 13.3).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Raiquan Clark (0 points) has been great for the Blackbirds while Sean Hoehn (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Pioneers.
There could be a fair amount of transition offense in this battle that showcases a pair of the country’s more fast-breaking teams. Sacred Heart currently ranks 23rd in possessions per game (75.7) and LIU Brooklyn is 44th (74.1).
LIU Brooklyn vs. Sacred Heart Betting Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – LIU Brooklyn, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
LIU Brooklyn averages 27.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 27th in the nation. Sacred Heart ranks 259th in three pointers allowed per game (27.7).
The Pioneers rank 36th in rebounds per game (39.8) while the Blackbirds rank 205th in rebounds allowed per game (37.9).
Sacred Heart ranks 44th in assists per game (15.7) while LIU Brooklyn ranks 147th (13.1).
The Pioneers average 3.8 blocks per game, which ranks 72nd in the nation. The Blackbirds rank 149th in blocks allowed per game (4.5).
LIU Brooklyn averages 7.4 steals per game, which ranks 65th in the country. Sacred Heart ranks 139th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Blackbirds have scored an equal number of points as their opponents. For the season, LIU Brooklyn has been defeated by an average of 0.6 points.
During their last five games, the Pioneers have scored an average of 88.2 points per game (5.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 83.8 points per game (1.2 below their season average).
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