The Utah Valley Wolverines (9-4) will try to lengthen their six-game home winning streak when they square off with the Sam Houston State Bearkats (4-7), who look to put an end to their six-game road losing streak. The game is scheduled to get underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
Sam Houston State Bearkats at Utah Valley Wolverines Betting Prediction
The last time the Bearkats played, they thoroughly outplayed the East Texas Baptist Tigers, 85-64. The Bearkats had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.9 vs. 14.3) and had a much better turnover percentage (14.3 vs. 22.2). Sam Houston State received a boost from Kai Mitchell, who recorded 14 points and 13 rebounds.
The Wolverines had no trouble getting past the Westminster (UT) Griffins in their last outing, 96-71. The Wolverines had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.2 vs. 13.3) and had a much better turnover percentage (9.5 vs. 20.3). Jake Toolson was the game’s top scorer with 22 points on 9-for-14 shooting from the field.
After the Wolverines won the only game against the Bearkats last season, 75-64, these teams will battle for the first time this year. Utah Valley’s 0.587 effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Sam Houston State, who had a mark of 0.413.
The sharp-shooting offense of Utah Valley (53rd in the NCAA with an effective field goal percentage 0.553) will clash against the mid-tier defense of Sam Houston State (199th in effective field goal percentage allowed 0.504). The Wolverines figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Sam Houston State at Utah Valley Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Utah Valley, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah Valley ranks 43rd in rebounds allowed per game (33.1) while Sam Houston State ranks 154th (35.8).
The Bearkats rank 48th in steals allowed per game (5.6) while the Wolverines rank 133rd (6.5).
Utah Valley ranks 49th in assists per game (14.8) while Sam Houston State ranks 114th (13.9).
The Bearkats average 26.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 56th in the nation. The Wolverines rank 108th in three pointers allowed per game (22.8).
Utah Valley averages 2.7 blocks per game, which ranks 71st in the country. Sam Houston State ranks 99th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Bearkats have outscored opponents by an average of 5.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Sam Houston State has lost by an average of 0.1 points.
During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (9.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.6 points per game (1.3 above their season average).
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