The Western Carolina Catamounts (4-14, 1-4 SoCon) will try to slow down the country’s top scoring team when they challenge the Citadel Bulldogs (9-6, 1-3 SoCon) at McAlister Field House. The game begins at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Western Carolina Catamounts vs. Citadel Bulldogs ATS Prediction
The last time the Catamounts played, they were topped by the Mercer Bears, 84-80. Mercer’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Western Carolina. The Bears had a rate of 11.2 (better than their season average of 17.5), while the Catamounts posted a mark of 20.7. Western Carolina’s Marc Gosselin had a solid performance, finishing with 14 points and nine rebounds.
The Bulldogs lost big to the East Tennessee State Buccaneers in their last outing, 98-73. East Tennessee State’s 40.6 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Citadel, who had a rate of 24.5. The Buccaneers’ mark was above their season average of 39.5. With 11 points and eight rebounds, Citadel’s Zane Najdawi had a good performance.
Citadel could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their high-powered offense faces off against one of the worst defenses in the NCAA. The Bulldogs rank 11th in offensive efficiency, while Western Carolina ranks 328th in defensive efficiency.
After the Catamounts won both contests against the Bulldogs last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last contest, Western Carolina won 92-75. The Catamounts knocked down 18 of their 24 free throws (75.0 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (14.2 vs. 19.3).
Western Carolina Catamounts vs. Citadel Bulldogs Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Citadel, ATS Winner – Citadel, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Western Carolina ranks 36th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while Citadel ranks 264th (41.8).
The Catamounts rank 37th in three pointers allowed per game (19.7) while the Bulldogs rank 255th (31.6).
Citadel ranks ninth in assists per game (18.3) while Western Carolina ranks 183rd (12.4).
The Bulldogs rank 44th in steals per game (7.9) while the Catamounts rank 189th (4.8).
Citadel ranks 73rd in blocks per game (3.9) while Western Carolina ranks 136th in blocks allowed per game (4.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Catamounts’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.8, up from 9.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 83.0 points per game (12.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 99.4 points per game (11.7 above their season average).
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