The SMU Mustangs get their season started against the Northwestern State Demons (1-0) at Moody Coliseum. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Northwestern State Demons at SMU Mustangs ATS Prediction
In the Demons’ last contest, they thoroughly outplayed the Centenary Gentlemen, 102-62. The Demons had a much better free throw rate (0.250 vs. 0.069) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (44.2 vs. 28.0). With 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting, Ishmael Lane was the top scorer from either team.
SMU did not reach the tournament following a 17-16 regular season campaign last season.
The Mustangs won the only game against the Demons last season, 81-35. The Mustangs had a much better turnover percentage (8.5 vs. 27.3) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.530 vs. 0.276).
SMU appears to have an edge on the offensive glass in this matchup. The Mustangs rank 63rd in offensive rebounding percentage (32.7 percent), while Northwestern State ranks 321st in defensive rebounding percentage (67.7 percent) since the 2017-18 season. It could also be a mistake-prone game for the Demons’ offense, which ranks 351st in ball protection (turnover percentage of 23.7 percent). They’ll be going up against the stingy defense of the Mustangs, which forced the 30th-most turnovers in the nation (21.8 percent).
Northwestern State vs. SMU Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Northwestern State, ATS Winner – Northwestern State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
SMU ranks 13th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Northwestern State ranks 251st (8.6).
The Mustangs rank 104th in assists per game (14.4) while the Demons rank 299th (10.0).
SMU ranks 81st in rebounds allowed per game (33.2) while Northwestern State ranks 265th (37.3).
The Mustangs rank 141st in three pointers attempted per game (22.5) while the Demons rank 319th (15.8).
Northwestern State ranks 42nd in blocks per game (4.4) while SMU ranks 175th (3.0).
