It will be a battle between SoCon opponents when the Samford Bulldogs (13-10, 3-7 SoCon) welcome the Western Carolina Catamounts (6-17, 3-7 SoCon) to the Pete Hanna Center. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.
Western Carolina Catamounts vs. Samford Bulldogs ATS Prediction
In the Catamounts’ last matchup, they topped the Chattanooga Mocs, 105-96. The Catamounts made 25 of their 32 free throws (78.1 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.690 (above their season average of 0.543). Western Carolina was lifted by Marcus Thomas, who was the game’s high scorer with 32 points on 12-for-17 shooting.
The Bulldogs were beaten by the East Tennessee State Buccaneers in their last game, 74-66. East Tennessee State’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Samford. The Buccaneers had a rate of 10.6 (stronger than their season average of 17.8), while the Bulldogs posted a mark of 18.4. With 17 points on 8-for-13 shooting, Ruben Guerrero was Samford’s leading scorer.
The sweet-shooting offense of Samford (52nd in the NCAA with an effective field goal percentage 0.546) will battle against the porous defense of Western Carolina (312th in effective field goal percentage allowed 0.537). The Bulldogs should have the advantage on that side of the ball.
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. Myron Gordon recorded 21 points in the first matchup, in which the Bulldogs lost 76-69. The Catamounts’ 29.2 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Bulldogs, who had a rate of 21.2.
Western Carolina Catamounts at Samford Bulldogs Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Samford, ATS Winner – Samford, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Samford ranks 83rd in steals per game (6.9) while Western Carolina ranks 225th (4.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Catamounts’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 8.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 82.8 points per game (7.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 84.8 points per game (13.8 above their season average).
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