The VMI Keydets (6-12, 0-6 SoCon) will try to put an end to their five-game losing streak when they challenge the Western Carolina Catamounts (5-15, 2-5 SoCon) at Cameron Hall. The game starts at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
Western Carolina Catamounts vs. VMI Keydets ATS Prediction
The last time the Catamounts played, they were beaten by the UNCG Spartans, 69-60. UNCG’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Western Carolina. The Spartans had a rate of 13.4 (better than their season average of 14.1), while the Catamounts posted a mark of 23.5. Carlos Dotson was Western Carolina’s leading scorer with 17 points on 8-for-10 shooting.
The Keydets lost a tough one against the East Tennessee State Buccaneers in their last matchup, 85-82. East Tennessee State’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over VMI. The Buccaneers had a rate of 31.3 (below their season average of 41.0), while the Keydets posted a mark of 23.5. VMI’s Bubba Parham had a solid performance, leading both teams in scoring with 25 points on 7-for-15 shooting.
After the Catamounts won both meetings against the Keydets last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Western Carolina won 72-60. Western Carolina had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.593 vs. 0.366). VMI, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (17.0 vs. 25.0).
Second-chance opportunities might be scarce for VMI in this showdown. The Keydets currently rank 322nd in offensive rebounding percentage (23.7 percent), while Western Carolina ranks 66th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.5 percent).
Western Carolina at VMI Pick
Pick: SU Winner – VMI, ATS Winner – VMI, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Western Carolina ranks 50th in rebounds allowed per game (32.2) while VMI ranks 255th (39.1).
The Keydets average 6.7 steals per game, which ranks 103rd in the nation. The Catamounts rank 180th in steals allowed per game (9.1).
Western Carolina ranks 80th in three pointers attempted per game (24.7) while VMI ranks 146th in three pointers allowed per game (22.9).
The Catamounts average 12.4 assists per game, which ranks 175th in the country. The Keydets rank 213th in assists allowed per game (15.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Catamounts’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.0, down from 8.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Keydets have scored an average of 70.2 points per game (4.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 86.2 points per game (7.3 above their season average).
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