The Army West Point Black Knights (5-7) go head-to-head with the Niagara Purple Eagles (5-5) at Christl Arena. The game gets underway at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
Niagara Purple Eagles at Army West Point Black Knights ATS Prediction
The last time the Purple Eagles played, they beat the St. Bonaventure Bonnies, 80-72. The Purple Eagles had a much better free throw rate (0.306 vs. 0.029) and had a better turnover percentage (14.1 vs. 17.8). Niagara was led by Marvin Prochet, who led the team in scoring with 20 points on 6-for-9 shooting.
The Black Knights beat the Marist Red Foxes in their last matchup, 73-69. Army West Point’s 8.6 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Marist, who had a rate of 16.1. Matt Wilson was Army West Point’s high scorer with 24 points on 8-for-8 shooting from the field.
After the Purple Eagles won the only game against the Black Knights last season, 77-71, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Purple Eagles had a much better free throw rate (0.292 vs. 0.028) and had a better turnover percentage (10.3 vs. 12.9).
Tommy Funk and Wilson have played at a high level over the last five games for Army West Point. Funk has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Wilson has put up 0 points a game during that span.
Getting to the line could be scarce for Army West Point in this showdown. The Black Knights currently rank 339th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.143, while Niagara ranks 46th in FTA rate allowed (0.180).
Niagara at Army West Point Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Army West Point, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Army West Point ranks 29th in assists per game (17.1) while Niagara ranks 206th (11.0).
The Purple Eagles average 39.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 48th in the country. The Black Knights rank 185th in rebounds allowed per game (39.3).
Niagara ranks 23rd in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Army West Point ranks 109th (6.7).
The Black Knights average 30.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 41st in the NCAA. The Purple Eagles rank 114th in three pointers allowed per game (22.0).
Niagara ranks 53rd in blocks per game (4.1) while Army West Point ranks 109th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
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The Purple Eagles’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.6, matching their season average.
During their last five games, the Black Knights have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (2.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 84.0 points per game (9.7 above their season average).
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