The Memphis Tigers (11-6, 3-1 AAC) will attempt to lengthen their five-game home winning streak in a matchup against the SMU Mustangs (11-6, 3-2 AAC) at FedExForum. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
SMU Mustangs vs. Memphis Tigers Betting Prediction
In the Mustangs’ last contest, they were beaten by the No. 21 Houston Cougars, 69-58. Houston’s 6.1 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over SMU, who had a rate of 11.7. The Cougars’ mark was better than their season average of 14.4. Jimmy Whitt Jr. was the game’s leading scorer with 20 points on 9-for-11 shooting.
The Tigers were victorious over the Tulane Green Wave in their last matchup, 83-79. Memphis’ effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Tulane. The Tigers had a rate of 0.500 (below their season average of 0.528), while the Green Wave posted a mark of 0.413 (below their season average of 0.488). Jeremiah Martin was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 9-for-15 shooting from the field.
After the Tigers won the lone contest against the Mustangs last season, 70-67, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Memphis’ free throw rate was their largest advantage over SMU. The Tigers had a rate of 0.176, while the Mustangs posted a mark of 0.045.
This contest should be a showdown of conflicting styles. Memphis has preferred to play up-tempo (ninth in possessions per game), while SMU has been more methodical (341st in possessions per game). Moreover, the Mustangs rank 60th in turnover percentage (17.0 percent), while the Tigers rank 48th in opponents’ turnover percentage (22.6 percent).
SMU vs. Memphis Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Memphis, ATS Winner – Memphis, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
SMU ranks 12th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Memphis ranks 165th (8.2).
The Mustangs rank 19th in rebounds allowed per game (30.9) while the Tigers rank 148th (35.4).
Memphis ranks 39th in assists per game (15.9) while SMU ranks 152nd in assists allowed per game (13.9).
The Mustangs rank 97th in three pointers attempted per game (24.1) while the Tigers rank 185th in three pointers allowed per game (24.2).
SMU ranks 90th in blocks per game (3.5) while Memphis ranks 150th in blocks allowed per game (4.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Mustangs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.8, down from 8.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 83.8 points per game (0.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.0 points per game (1.6 below their season average).
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