The Loyola Marymount Lions (12-3, 0-1 WCC) put their eight-game winning streak on the line when they go head-to-head against the Portland Pilots (7-8) at Albert Gersten Pavilion. The game is scheduled to get underway at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Portland Pilots at Loyola Marymount Lions ATS Prediction
The last time the Pilots played, they beat the Multnomah Lions, 111-103. The Pilots had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.8 vs. 12.2) and had a much better free throw rate (0.231 vs. 0.092). With 37 points on 17-for-25 shooting, Josh McSwiggan was Portland’s leading scorer.
The Lions won big over the Westcliff Warriors in their last outing, 75-43. The Lions had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (45.9 vs. 17.6) and had a much better turnover percentage (16.3 vs. 27.8). James Batemon was the game’s high scorer with 11 points on 4-for-12 shooting from the field.
The offensive glass could be a major edge for Loyola Marymount in this battle. The Lions are among the country’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 39th in offensive rebounding percentage at 34.8 percent. Meanwhile, Portland ranks 281st in the NCAA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 69.0 percent.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Marcus Shaver Jr. (0 points) has been stellar for the Pilots while Batemon (0 points) has made great contributions to the Lions.
After the Pilots won two out of three games against the Lions last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, Loyola Marymount won 78-72. The Lions knocked down 22 of their 28 free throws (78.6 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (8.4 vs. 16.5).
Portland Pilots at Loyola Marymount Lions Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Loyola Marymount, ATS Winner – Loyola Marymount, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Portland averages 4.2 blocks per game, which ranks 53rd in the NCAA. Loyola Marymount ranks 113th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Pilots have outscored opponents by an average of 1.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Portland has lost by an average of 2.7 points.
During their last five games, the Lions have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 53.0 points per game (7.4 below their season average).
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