The FIU Golden Panthers (4-1) take on the Youngstown State Penguins (2-3) at Rose Hill Gym. The game is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 18, 2018.
Youngstown State Penguins vs. FIU Golden Panthers Betting Prediction
The last time the Penguins played, they were beaten by the Fordham Rams, 67-61, but they did cover as 9.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (128) were well under the O/U total of 155.5. Fordham’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Youngstown State. The Rams had a rate of 0.186 (below their season average of 0.289), while the Penguins posted a mark of 0.083 (below their season average of 0.247). Devin Morgan was the game’s high scorer with 25 points on 9-for-19 shooting.
The Golden Panthers beat the Columbia Lions in their last contest, 98-87, despite being 1-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (185) finished well over the projected point total of 153. The Golden Panthers, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.525, had a solid mark of 0.565 and held the Lions to an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.8 (below the 29.7 mark opponents have averaged against FIU this season). Brian Beard Jr. was FIU’s high scorer with 26 points on 7-for-17 shooting from the field.
Youngstown State heads into the game with records of 2-3 straight up (SU) and 2-2 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Penguins have a tendency to go over the total (75.0 percent).
FIU is 4-1 SU, but they have difficulty covering the spread (0-2 ATS). Coinciding with Youngstown State, Golden Panthers games also have a tendency to go over the projected point total (100.0 percent).
There could be plenty of transition action in this meeting that showcases a pair of the nation’s more up-and-down teams. FIU ranks 36th in possessions per game (73.1) and Youngstown State is 20th (74.2) since last season. Furthermore, the Penguins’ 271st-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 101.8) will face a tough challenge against the Golden Panthers’ 53rd-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 98.8).
Youngstown State Penguins vs. FIU Golden Panthers Pick
Pick: SU Winner – FIU, ATS Winner – FIU, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Youngstown State ranks 89th in rebounds per game (37.0) while FIU ranks 316th in rebounds allowed per game (40.1).
The Golden Panthers average 8.2 steals per game, which ranks 10th in the NCAA. The Penguins rank 224th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
FIU ranks 151st in assists allowed per game (13.2) while Youngstown State ranks 297th (15.9).
The Golden Panthers rank 142nd in blocks per game (3.4) while the Penguins rank 255th in blocks allowed per game (4.3).
Youngstown State ranks 118th in three pointers attempted per game (23.1) while FIU ranks 206th in three pointers allowed per game (22.8).
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