The Sam Houston State Bearkats (10-8, 5-0 SthLnd) put their six-game winning streak on the line when they take on the Northwestern State Demons (7-11, 2-3 SthLnd) at Prather Coliseum. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.
Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. Northwestern State Demons ATS Prediction
The Bearkats will be hoping for similar success after beating the Houston Baptist Huskies in their last contest, 71-65. The Bearkats forced 22 turnovers and had a free throw rate of 0.333 (above their season average of 0.176). Sam Houston State was led by Kai Mitchell, who was the game’s leading scorer with 18 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
In the Demons’ previous matchup, they were beaten by the Abilene Christian Wildcats, 78-69. Abilene Christian launched 20 three pointers, making eight of them (40.0 percent). Northwestern State, meanwhile, was 6-24 (25.0 percent). Northwestern State’s Ishmael Lane had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the contest.
This could end up being a mistake-prone game for the Northwestern State offense. Northwestern State ranks 324th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 22.1 percent), while the disruptive defense of Sam Houston State forces the 15th-most turnovers in the country (24.0 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Mitchell (14 points,7.6 rebounds,1.4 steals,1.4 blocks) has been fantastic for the Bearkats while Lane (12 points,9.6 rebounds,2.2 blocks) has contributed greatly to the Demons.
After the Bearkats won the lone game against the Demons last season, 75-52, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Bearkats had a much better turnover percentage (10.0 vs. 23.9) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (51.0 vs. 34.2).
Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. Northwestern State Demons Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Sam Houston State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Sam Houston State averages 8.1 steals per game, which ranks 34th in the NCAA. Northwestern State ranks 154th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Bearkats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.8, up from 4.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Demons have scored an average of 65.8 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.6 points per game (5.3 below their season average).
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