It will be a battle between WAC opponents when the UMKC Kangaroos (7-12, 2-2 WAC) welcome the Utah Valley Wolverines (13-7, 2-3 WAC) to the Swinney Recreation Center. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 24, 2019.
Utah Valley Wolverines vs. UMKC Kangaroos Free Prediction
In the Wolverines’ last game, they were defeated by the New Mexico State Aggies, 83-78. New Mexico State’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Aggies had more offensive rebounds (nine vs. two) and total rebounds (28 vs. 23). Jake Toolson was the top scorer from either team with 26 points on 11-for-14 shooting.
The Kangaroos lost big to the Grand Canyon Antelopes in their last game, 78-50. Grand Canyon was successful at getting and making free throws. The Antelopes made 23 of their 27 free throws (85.2 percent), while the Kangaroos were just 6-9 (66.7 percent). UMKC’s Xavier Bishop put together a good game, leading the team in scoring with 11 points on 4-for-7 shooting.
It could be a tough game for UMKC on the offensive glass. The Kangaroos currently rank 285th in offensive rebounding percentage (25.6 percent), while Utah Valley ranks 80th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.2 percent). Additionally, the Wolverines’ 18th-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.562) will square off against the Kangaroos’ 322nd-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.542).
After splitting two games last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. The Kangaroos won the last game 77-70. UMKC’s 0.644 effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Utah Valley, who had a mark of 0.518.
Utah Valley Wolverines vs. UMKC Kangaroos Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – UMKC, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UMKC ranks 25th in steals per game (8.4) while Utah Valley ranks 142nd in steals allowed per game (7.0).
The Wolverines rank 152nd in rebounds per game (35.4) while the Kangaroos rank 250th (31.5).
Utah Valley ranks 38th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while UMKC ranks 93rd (3.4).
The Wolverines average 13.4 assists per game, which ranks 140th in the NCAA. The Kangaroos rank 164th in assists allowed per game (13.8).
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The Wolverines’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.6, down from 4.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Kangaroos have scored an average of 68.0 points per game (3.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.2 points per game (1.2 above their season average).
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