The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (24-6, 16-2 CUSA) square off against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (15-17, 8-11 CUSA) in the Conference USA Conference Tourney at Ford Center at The Star. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Betting Prediction
In the Golden Eagles’ last game, they topped the FIU Golden Panthers, 69-68. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Southern Miss’ biggest strengths. They made 27 trips to the line, while FIU went 19 times. With 29 points on 10-for-16 shooting, Cortez Edwards led Southern Miss in scoring.
The Blue Raiders fell to the Marshall Thundering Herd in their last contest, 76-67. Marshall was successful at getting to and converting from the free throw line. The Thundering Herd made 22 of their 27 free throws (81.5 percent), while the Blue Raiders were just 13-26 (50.0 percent). Middle Tennessee’s Brandon Walters had a solid game, leading the team in scoring with 20 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Middle Tennessee ranks 257th in possessions per game (67.9) and Southern Miss is 283rd (67.3). Furthermore, the Golden Eagles, who rank 337th in offensive rebounding percentage (21.6 percent), will clash against the Blue Raiders, who rank seventh in defensive rebounding percentage (77.6 percent).
The Blue Raiders have emerged victorious in both matchups against the Golden Eagles this year, including a 10-point victory the last time these teams met. The Blue Raiders had a better offensive rebounding percentage (19.4 vs. 15.2) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.585 vs. 0.500). Nick King put up a double-double in the victory with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Southern Miss, ATS Winner – Southern Miss, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Middle Tennessee ranks 47th in three pointers allowed per game (19.5) while Southern Miss ranks 279th (25.0).
The Blue Raiders rank 15th in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while the Golden Eagles rank 197th (35.9).
Middle Tennessee ranks 38th in assists allowed per game (11.3) while Southern Miss ranks 192nd (14.1).
The Golden Eagles allow the fifth-fewest steals per game (4.2) while the Blue Raiders rank 54th (5.4).
Middle Tennessee ranks 221st in blocks per game (2.2) while Southern Miss ranks 239th (1.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Golden Eagles’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.2, up from 1.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Blue Raiders have scored an average of 77.4 points per game (2.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.2 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
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