It will be a battle between SoCon opponents when the Western Carolina Catamounts (5-14, 2-4 SoCon) welcome the UNCG Spartans (15-3, 4-1 SoCon) to the Ramsey Center. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019.
UNCG Spartans at Western Carolina Catamounts Betting Prediction
The last time the Spartans played, they defeated the Furman Paladins, 89-79. UNCG’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Furman. The Spartans had a rate of 15.7 (worse than their season average of 14.0), while the Paladins posted a mark of 26.4 (above their season average of 14.7). With 25 points on 10-for-19 shooting, Isaiah Miller was the game’s high scorer.
The Catamounts beat the Citadel Bulldogs in their last contest, 94-82. The Catamounts had a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.638 (above their season average of 0.532) and had a free throw rate of 0.345 (above their season average of 0.226). Kameron Gibson led Western Carolina in scoring with 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field.
After the Spartans won both meetings against the Catamounts last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, UNCG won 65-48. The Spartans had a much better free throw rate (0.283 vs. 0.170) and had a much better turnover percentage (18.2 vs. 24.7).
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the Western Carolina offense. Western Carolina ranks 353rd in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 26.8 percent), while the gambling defense of UNCG forces the seventh-most turnovers in the nation (25.1 percent). Furthermore, the Spartans rank 52nd in offensive efficiency (112.7), while the Catamounts rank 317th in defensive efficiency (109.9).
UNCG Spartans vs. Western Carolina Catamounts Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Western Carolina, ATS Winner – UNCG, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UNCG ranks 24th in steals per game (8.6) while Western Carolina ranks 192nd (4.7).
The Spartans rank 28th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Catamounts rank 146th (4.4).
UNCG ranks 30th in assists allowed per game (10.7) while Western Carolina ranks 83rd (12.4).
The Catamounts rank 41st in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while the Spartans rank 91st (33.8).
UNCG ranks 46th in three pointers allowed per game (19.9) while Western Carolina ranks 73rd (20.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.0, down from 11.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Catamounts have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (3.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.4 points per game (1.6 below their season average).
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