The UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (7-4) go head-to-head with the Texas State Bobcats (9-1) at UTRGV Fieldhouse. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
Texas State Bobcats at UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Free Prediction
In the Bobcats’ last outing, they defeated the Air Force Falcons, 67-57. Texas State’s 14.5 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Air Force, who had a mark of 24.4. With 21 points on 9-for-15 shooting, Nijal Pearson was the top scorer from either team.
The Vaqueros defeated the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions in their last outing, 91-84. UT Rio Grande Valley’s 6.5 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Texas A&M-Commerce, who had a rate of 21.6. With 18 points and six rebounds, Terry Winn III had a solid performance for UT Rio Grande Valley.
After the Bobcats won the sole contest against the Vaqueros last season, 75-58, these teams will clash for the first time this year. The Bobcats had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.4 vs. 21.1) and had a much better free throw rate (0.400 vs. 0.204).
Lesley Varner II and Winn III have played at a high level over the last five games for UT Rio Grande Valley. Varner II has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Winn III has put up 0 points a game during that span.
The offense of UT Rio Grande Valley will clash against the elite defense of Texas State. The Vaqueros currently rank 327th in offensive efficiency, while the Bobcats are 89th in defensive efficiency. The Bobcats figure to have the edge on that end of the court. Ball security could be troublesome for the Bobcats. They rank 277th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 19.7 percent), while the Vaqueros force the 10th-most turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 25.2 percent).
Texas State Bobcats vs. UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Texas State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Texas State ranks 25th in rebounds allowed per game (30.3) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 283rd (42.5).
The Vaqueros rank fourth in steals per game (9.8) while the Bobcats rank 159th (6.8).
UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 14th in three pointers allowed per game (18.1) while Texas State ranks 107th (22.1).
The Vaqueros average 3.5 blocks per game, which ranks 99th in the country. The Bobcats rank 162nd in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Bobcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 18.6, up from 14.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Vaqueros have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (5.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.0 points per game (5.4 above their season average).
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