The Abilene Christian Wildcats (19-4, 8-2 SthLnd) welcome the Sam Houston State Bearkats (15-8, 10-0 SthLnd) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against tremendous defense. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Sam Houston State Bearkats at Abilene Christian Wildcats Free Prediction
In the Bearkats’ last matchup, they beat the McNeese State Cowboys, 77-62. Sam Houston State’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over McNeese State. The Bearkats had a rate of 16.8 (worse than their season average of 15.2), while the Cowboys posted a mark of 22.9 (above their season average of 19.6). Sam Houston State was led by Kai Mitchell, who recorded 14 points and eight rebounds.
The Wildcats were victorious over the Lamar Cardinals in their last outing, 75-64. Abilene Christian’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Lamar. The Wildcats had a rate of 12.4 (better than their season average of 16.5), while the Cardinals posted a mark of 16.9. Jaylen Franklin was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 9-for-15 shooting from the field.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. Josh Delaney scored a game-high 30 points in the first matchup, in which the Bearkats defeated the Wildcats 71-68. Sam Houston State’s 0.633 effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Abilene Christian, who had a mark of 0.540.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Abilene Christian (51st in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 112.1) takes on the elite defense of Sam Houston State (58th in the country with a defensive efficiency of 96.5).
Sam Houston State at Abilene Christian ATS Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Abilene Christian, ATS Winner – Abilene Christian, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Sam Houston State ranks 64th in three pointers attempted per game (25.3) while Abilene Christian ranks 269th (18.3).
The Wildcats rank 20th in rebounds allowed per game (31.1) while the Bearkats rank 161st (35.3).
Abilene Christian ranks 32nd in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Sam Houston State ranks 82nd (3.1).
The Bearkats average 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 36th in the country. The Wildcats rank 78th in steals allowed per game (5.9).
Abilene Christian is 16th in the nation with 10.3 assists allowed per game while Sam Houston State is 55th with 11.6 assists allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Bearkats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.2, up from 6.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (1.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.2 points per game (0.5 above their season average).
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