The Nicholls Colonels (21-10, 15-3 SthLnd) square off with the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (26-6, 15-4 SthLnd) in the Southland Conference Tourney at Leonard E. Merrell Center. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018, and will air on ESPN 3.
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs. Nicholls Colonels Free Prediction
The Lumberjacks will be hoping for a similar result after blowing out the Central Arkansas Bears in their last outing, 86-64. The Lumberjacks had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 54.1 (above their season average of 33.6), while the Bears had a turnover percentage of 21.2 (above their season average of 16.0). Kevon Harris had a good game for Stephen F. Austin, recording 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The last time the Colonels played, they were beaten by the Southeastern Louisiana Lions, 69-57. Southeastern Louisiana’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Nicholls. The Lions had a rate of 10.4 (better than their season average of 17.7), while the Colonels posted a mark of 15.6. With 11 points and six rebounds, Nicholls’ Kimani Jackson had a solid performance.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this meeting between two of the NCAA’s premier defenses. Nicholls currently ranks 53rd in defensive efficiency (98.9) and Stephen F. Austin is seventh (94.0). Ball protection could be troublesome for the Lumberjacks. They rank 328th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 21.3 percent), while the Colonels force the 15th-most turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.7 percent).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Colonels lost 81-64. Roddy Peters scored a game-high 25 points and also put up five rebounds. The Lumberjacks had a much better turnover percentage (18.4 vs. 25.6) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.525 vs. 0.427).
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks vs. Nicholls Colonels Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Nicholls, ATS Winner – Nicholls, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Nicholls averages 9.5 steals per game, which ranks third in the nation. Stephen F. Austin ranks 206th in steals allowed per game (7.5).
The Lumberjacks rank 31st in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while the Colonels rank 190th (35.9).
Nicholls ranks 120th in three pointers attempted per game (22.8) while Stephen F. Austin ranks 248th (18.9).
The Colonels average 4.0 blocks per game, which ranks 68th in the NCAA. The Lumberjacks rank 145th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
Nicholls ranks 76th in assists per game (15.0) while Stephen F. Austin ranks 111th in assists allowed per game (12.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Lumberjacks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.8, up from 13.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Colonels have scored an average of 78.2 points per game (4.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.0 points per game (2.3 below their season average).
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