The SMU Mustangs (1-1) challenge the Western Carolina Catamounts (0-2) at Moody Coliseum. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, and will air on ESPN 3.
Western Carolina Catamounts at SMU Mustangs Free Prediction
The Catamounts are hoping for a better outcome after their 77-74 loss to the Charleston Cougars in their last game. Charleston’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Western Carolina. The Cougars had a rate of 0.222, while the Catamounts posted a mark of 0.123. Carlos Dotson was Western Carolina’s leading scorer with 21 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
In the Mustangs’ previous outing, they fell to the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, 74-64. Southern Miss’ 0.127 free throw rate was their largest advantage over SMU, who had a rate of 0.103. With 25 points on 8-for-17 shooting, Ethan Chargois was the top scorer from either team.
SMU could own the offensive glass in this showdown. The Mustangs rank 58th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.2 percent), while Western Carolina ranks 309th in defensive rebounding percentage (68.4 percent) dating back to the 2017-18 season. It could also be a mistake-prone game for the Catamounts’ offense, which ranks 325th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.1 percent). They’ll be going up against the stingy defense of the Mustangs, which has forced the 28th-most turnovers in the country (21.9 percent).
Western Carolina at SMU Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Western Carolina, ATS Winner – Western Carolina, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
SMU ranks 17th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while Western Carolina ranks 265th (7.9).
The Mustangs rank 82nd in rebounds allowed per game (33.3) while the Catamounts rank 250th (37.0).
SMU averages 14.5 assists per game, which ranks 100th in the NCAA. Western Carolina ranks 266th in assists allowed per game (15.1).
The Mustangs average 23.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 122nd in the nation. The Catamounts rank 279th in three pointers allowed per game (24.6).
SMU averages 3.1 blocks per game, which is ranked 161st in the country. Western Carolina ranks 213th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
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