The Austin Peay Governors (15-7, 7-2 OVC) head to Jacksonville State to take on the Gamecocks (16-6, 8-1 OVC) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against tremendous defense. The game gets underway at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
Austin Peay Governors vs. Jacksonville State Gamecocks ATS Prediction
The last time the Governors played, they defeated the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, 77-66. Austin Peay’s 10.8 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Tennessee Tech, who had a mark of 27.4. The Governors’ mark was better than their season average of 16.0, while the Golden Eagles’ was above their season average of 20.0. Austin Peay rallied around Terry Taylor, who was the top scorer from either team with 18 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
The Gamecocks easily got past the Murray State Racers in their last outing, 88-68. The Gamecocks had a phenomenal effective field goal percentage of 0.621 (above their season average of 0.501) and held the Racers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (below their season average of 33.6). With 21 points and 15 rebounds, Jacksonville State’s Jason Burnell played well.
This has potential to be an error-filled game for the offense of Jacksonville State. Jacksonville State ranks 131st in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.2 percent), while the gambling defense of Austin Peay forces the 19th-most turnovers in the NCAA (23.7 percent). Moreover, the Governors’ 40th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 113.1) will square off against the Gamecocks’ 23rd-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 93.5).
After the Governors won both meetings against the Gamecocks last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Austin Peay won 60-57. The Governors had a much better free throw rate (0.356 vs. 0.224) and had a better turnover percentage (17.5 vs. 19.3).
Austin Peay Governors at Jacksonville State Gamecocks Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Jacksonville State, ATS Winner – Jacksonville State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Jacksonville State ranks 29th in blocks per game (4.6) while Austin Peay ranks 81st (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Governors’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, down from 10.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gamecocks have scored an average of 78.2 points per game (1.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.0 points per game (3.8 above their season average).
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