The UAB Blazers (15-8, 6-4 CUSA) head to Old Dominion to take on the Monarchs (16-5, 7-2 CUSA) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against superb defense. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 135 points with Old Dominion set as a 5.5-point favorite.
UAB Blazers vs. Old Dominion Monarchs Free Prediction
In the Blazers’ last outing, they beat the Charlotte 49ers, 76-64. The Blazers forced 15 turnovers and held the 49ers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.438 (below their season average of 0.494). With 26 points on 10-for-12 shooting, Chris Cokley was the top scorer from either team.
The Monarchs were beaten by the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in their last contest, 66-59. Middle Tennessee’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Old Dominion. The Blue Raiders had a rate of 43.3 (above their season average of 32.6), while the Monarchs posted a mark of 30.8. With 14 points on 5-for-17 shooting, Randy Haynes was Old Dominion’s leading scorer.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the nation’s top rebounding teams go head-to-head. The Monarchs rank 56th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.8 percent), while UAB ranks 31st in defensive rebounding percentage (75.6 percent). Additionally, the Blazers rank 43rd in offensive efficiency (113.4), while the Monarchs rank 19th in defensive efficiency (94.7).
William Lee has averaged 10.2 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.4 blocks over the last five games for UAB.
After the Monarchs won the sole game against the Blazers last season, 83-62, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. Old Dominion made nine of their 18 three pointers (50.0 percent), while UAB was just 3-15 (20.0 percent).
UAB Blazers at Old Dominion Monarchs Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Old Dominion, ATS Winner – UAB, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Old Dominion ranks 10th in steals allowed per game (4.6) while UAB ranks 144th (6.7).
The Monarchs rank 152nd in three pointers allowed per game (22.4) while the Blazers rank 255th (25.9).
UAB ranks 16th in assists per game (17.4) while Old Dominion ranks 107th in assists allowed per game (13.0).
The Blazers rank 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (31.0) while the Monarchs rank 104th (33.8).
Old Dominion ranks 37th in blocks per game (4.6) while UAB ranks 69th (3.9).
Betting Trends:
The Blazers have been outscored by an average of 1.8 points in their last five games. For the season, UAB has defeated opponents by an average of 10.2 points.
During their last five games, the Monarchs have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (0.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (1.8 above their season average).
