The Seattle Redhawks (19-12, 8-6 WAC) challenge the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (15-16, 6-8 WAC) in the Western Athletic Conference Tourney at Orleans Arena. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 11:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018.
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. Seattle Redhawks Free Prediction
In the Vaqueros’ last matchup, they were topped by the New Mexico State Aggies, 86-71. New Mexico State’s 33.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over UT Rio Grande Valley, who had a rate of 23.4. The Aggies’ mark was below their season average of 34.5, while the Vaqueros’ was below their season average of 28.7. Nick Dixon led UT Rio Grande Valley in scoring with 14 points on 4-for-13 shooting.
The Redhawks lost big to the Utah Valley Wolverines in their last outing, 73-47. Utah Valley’s 38.5 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Seattle, who had a mark of 16.7. The Wolverines’ mark was above their season average of 32.9, while the Redhawks’ was below their season average of 31.2. With 10 points on 4-for-8 shooting, Aaron Menzies was Seattle’s leading scorer.
Seattle could have their way on the defensive side of the ball as they clash against one of the nation’s worst offenses. The Redhawks rank 36th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.473), while UT Rio Grande Valley is 339th in effective field goal percentage (0.456). Additionally, the Vaqueros, who rank 20th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.298), will face off against the Redhawks, who rank 316th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.291).
The Redhawks have won both contests against the Vaqueros this season, including an 85-68 victory in their last matchup. The Redhawks had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.706 vs. 0.414) and had a better free throw rate (0.255 vs. 0.234). Menzies recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. Seattle Redhawks Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Seattle, ATS Winner – Seattle, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Seattle ranks 64th in rebounds per game (37.7) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 297th in rebounds allowed per game (40.3).
The Redhawks rank 48th in assists allowed per game (11.5) while the Vaqueros rank 252nd (15.3).
UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 31st in steals per game (7.6) while Seattle ranks 230th (4.9).
The Redhawks rank 111th in blocks per game (3.5) while the Vaqueros rank 147th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Seattle averages 24.8 three-pointers per game, which ranks 57th in the NCAA. UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 58th in three-pointers allowed per game (19.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Vaqueros’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 12.0, up from 2.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Redhawks have scored an average of 65.2 points per game (10.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.8 points per game (3.2 below their season average).
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