The Marshall Thundering Herd (22-10, 13-6 CUSA) go head-to-head with the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (16-17, 9-11 CUSA) in the Conference USA Conference Tourney at Ford Center at The Star. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 1:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Marshall Thundering Herd Free Prediction
The Golden Eagles will be looking for similar success after narrowly defeating the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in their last contest, 71-68. The Golden Eagles knocked down 12 of their 16 free throws (75.0 percent), while the Blue Raiders had a turnover percentage of 23.4 (above their season average of 15.6). With 23 points on 8-for-20 shooting, Cortez Edwards was the top scorer from either team.
In the Thundering Herd’s last matchup, they beat the UTSA Roadrunners, 95-81. The Thundering Herd knocked down 32 of their 38 free throws (84.2 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 9.4 (better than their season average of 16.0). With 23 points and 12 rebounds, Marshall’s Ajdin Penava had a solid performance.
It will be a showdown of opposite paces as the up-and-down Thundering Herd (ranked fifth in the NCAA in possessions per game) will look to push the slower-paced Golden Eagles (283rd in possessions per game). Also, the Golden Eagles, who rank 284th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.207), could have a tough time getting to the line against the Thundering Herd, who rank 34th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.191).
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Penava recorded 18 points and 15 rebounds in the first game, in which the Thundering Herd defeated the Golden Eagles 85-66. The Thundering Herd had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.1 vs. 11.4) and had a much better free throw rate (0.194 vs. 0.085).
Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Marshall Thundering Herd ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Marshall, ATS Winner – Marshall, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Marshall ranks 11th in three-pointers attempted per game (28.3) while Southern Miss ranks 267th in three-pointers allowed per game (24.8).
The Thundering Herd rank fifth in blocks per game (6.1) while the Golden Eagles rank 234th (1.8).
Marshall ranks 10th in assists per game (17.4) while Southern Miss ranks 181st in assists allowed per game (14.0).
The Thundering Herd rank 108th in rebounds per game (36.2) while the Golden Eagles rank 278th (30.5).
Southern Miss ranks fifth in steals allowed per game (4.2) while Marshall ranks 159th (6.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Eagles’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.0, up from 1.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Thundering Herd have scored an average of 86.0 points per game (1.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 79.6 points per game (0.3 above their season average).
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