The No. 6 Miami Hurricanes (7-0) travel to George Washington to play the Colonials (5-5) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
Miami Hurricanes vs. George Washington Colonials ATS Prediction
In the Hurricanes’ last outing, they topped the Boston University Terriers, 69-54. Miami’s 0.167 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Boston University, who had a rate of 0.077. The Hurricanes’ mark was above their season average of 0.156, while the Terriers’ was below their season average of 0.159. Miami rallied around Lonnie Walker, who was the top scorer from either team with 26 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
The Colonials got blown out by the Penn State Nittany Lions in their last contest, 74-54. Penn State’s rebounding was their largest strength. The Nittany Lions had more offensive rebounds (15 vs. six), defensive rebounds (27 vs. 19) and total rebounds (42 vs. 25). With 18 points on 8-for-15 shooting, Yuta Watanabe was George Washington’s high scorer.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams battle. George Washington ranks 333rd in possessions per game (65.9) and Miami is 335th (65.5) since the 2016-17 season. Also, the Hurricanes’ 48th-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.463) will face off against the Colonials’ 251st-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.495).
The Hurricanes won the lone contest against the Colonials last season, 72-64. The Hurricanes had a much better turnover percentage (8.4 vs. 16.1) and had a better free throw rate (0.263 vs. 0.196).
Miami Hurricanes vs. George Washington Colonials Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – George Washington, ATS Winner – George Washington, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Miami ranks 139th in rebounds per game (36.2) while George Washington ranks 228th (35.8).
The Colonials rank 20th in blocks per game (4.2) while the Hurricanes rank 78th (3.9).
George Washington is 19th in the nation with 18.5 three pointers allowed per game while Miami is 59th with 19.6 three pointers allowed per game.
The Colonials allow the 26th-fewest assists per game (13.7) while the Hurricanes rank 57th (11.8).
Miami averages 6.6 steals per game, which ranks 100th in the NCAA. George Washington ranks 110th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
