The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (15-3, 5-0 SBC) travel to UT Arlington to take on the Mavericks (12-7, 3-3 SBC) in a matchup that pits great offense against exceptional defense. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 18, 2018.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns at UT Arlington Mavericks Betting Prediction
In the Ragin’ Cajuns’ last contest, they blew out the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks, 82-48. The Ragin’ Cajuns had a solid turnover percentage of 9.4 (better than their season average of 16.1) and held the Warhawks to an effective field goal percentage of 0.400 (below their season average of 0.534). Louisiana rallied around Marcus Stroman, who contributed 10 points, 10 assists and five steals.
The Mavericks had no trouble getting past the Arkansas State Red Wolves in their last outing, 97-71. Getting to the charity stripe was one of UT Arlington’s biggest strengths. They made 25 trips to the line, 11 more than Arkansas State. Johnny Hamilton was the game’s high scorer with 19 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
Points could be at a premium in this meeting between two of the NCAA’s premier defenses. UT Arlington currently ranks 58th in defensive efficiency (96.6) and Louisiana is 56th (96.4).
Bryce Washington and Frank Bartley IV have played well over the last five games for Louisiana. Washington has averaged 11.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Not to be outdone, Bartley IV has recorded 18.2 points a game during that span.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last matchup, the Ragin’ Cajuns won 83-81. Louisiana had a better turnover percentage (13.0 vs. 16.7). UT Arlington, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (14-20; 70.0 percent).
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns at UT Arlington Mavericks Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – UT Arlington, ATS Winner – UT Arlington, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Louisiana ranks 13th in three pointers allowed per game (17.6) while UT Arlington ranks 252nd (26.4).
The Ragin’ Cajuns rank 22nd in steals per game (8.4) while the Mavericks rank 159th in steals allowed per game (7.4).
Louisiana ranks 39th in rebounds per game (39.3) while UT Arlington ranks 160th in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
The Ragin’ Cajuns average 18.2 assists per game, which ranks ninth in the NCAA. The Mavericks rank 113th in assists allowed per game (13.2).
UT Arlington is 10th in the NCAA with 2.2 blocks allowed per game while Louisiana is 43rd with 2.7 blocks allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Ragin’ Cajuns’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 21.6, up from 14.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Mavericks have scored an average of 83.0 points per game (4.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.2 points per game (2.2 above their season average).
