The No. 5 Wichita State Shockers (14-2, 4-0 AAC) put their six-game winning streak on the line when they challenge the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (10-7, 3-2 AAC) at Donald Reynolds Center. The game will air on ESPNU at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 13, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 146.5 points with Wichita State set as a 12-point favorite.
Wichita State Shockers vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane ATS Prediction
In the Shockers’ last game, they blew out the East Carolina Pirates, 95-60. The Shockers held the Pirates to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.5 (below their season average of 30.3) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.664 (above their season average of 0.569). Wichita State rallied around Landry Shamet, who contributed 11 points and 11 assists.
The Golden Hurricane lost big to the Houston Cougars in their last outing, 104-71. Houston’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Tulsa. The Cougars had a rate of 0.687 (above their season average of 0.546), while the Golden Hurricane posted a mark of 0.438 (below their season average of 0.509). Martins Igbanu had a solid game for Tulsa, leading the team in scoring with 27 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
It could be a difficult game for Tulsa on the offensive glass. The Golden Hurricane rank 136th in offensive rebounding percentage (30.9 percent), while Wichita State ranks 14th in defensive rebounding percentage (77.0 percent).
Wichita State heads into the game with records of 14-2 straight up (SU) and 7-7 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is exceedingly precise when setting the O/U total of Shockers games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Meanwhile, Tulsa is 10-7 SU and 8-6 ATS. Golden Hurricane games have a tendency to go over the total (64.3 percent).
After the Shockers won the only contest against the Golden Hurricane last season, 80-53, these teams will battle for the first time this year. The Shockers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.5 vs. 11.9) and had a much better free throw rate (0.317 vs. 0.204).
Wichita State Shockers vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Wichita State, ATS Winner – Wichita State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Wichita State is 4-3 ATS with 5 unders and 2 overs.
Tulsa is 3-2 ATS at home with 4 overs and 1 under.
Wichita State ranks fifth in assists per game (19.4) while Tulsa ranks 181st (12.4).
The Shockers average 23.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 95th in the nation. The Golden Hurricane rank 262nd in three pointers allowed per game (27.4).
Wichita State ranks sixth in rebounds per game (42.0) while Tulsa ranks 162nd in rebounds allowed per game (35.9).
The Shockers rank 41st in blocks per game (4.6) while the Golden Hurricane rank 174th (2.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Wichita State is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Tulsa is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Shockers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 22.2, up from 17.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Golden Hurricane have scored an average of 74.4 points per game (1.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.4 points per game (1.5 above their season average).
