The Florida A&M Rattlers (10-14, 7-2 MEAC) will try to lengthen their five-game winning streak against the Howard Bison (10-13, 4-4 MEAC) at Al Lawson Center. The game begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Howard Bison at Florida A&M Rattlers Free Prediction
The last time the Bison played, they were defeated by the Norfolk State Spartans, 80-78. Norfolk State’s 10.6 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Howard, who had a mark of 20.8. The Spartans’ mark was better than their season average of 18.8, while the Bison’s was above their season average of 14.2. RJ Cole was the top scorer from either team with 29 points on 8-for-17 shooting.
The Rattlers beat the North Carolina Central Eagles in their last contest, 73-57. Florida A&M had an effective field goal percentage of 0.577 (above their season average of 0.497). North Carolina Central, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 14.3 (better than their season average of 19.8). Justin Ravenel was the game’s leading scorer with 25 points on 8-for-14 shooting from the field.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. In the first, Ravenel had 20 points and the Rattlers defeated the Bison 82-72. The Rattlers had a better turnover percentage (20.3 vs. 24.9) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.632 vs. 0.521).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Chad Lott (19 points) has been great for the Bison while Ravenel (19 points,1.4 steals) has contributed greatly to the Rattlers.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Florida A&M should have a significant advantage. The Rattlers defense ranks 97th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.486), while the Howard offense is ranked 296th in effective field goal percentage (0.481). It will also be a matchup of contrasting paces as the up-and-down Bison rank 15th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Rattlers rank 319th.
Howard Bison vs. Florida A&M Rattlers Odds Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Florida A&M, ATS Winner – Florida A&M, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Howard ranks 56th in rebounds per game (38.0) while Florida A&M ranks 261st (31.7).
The Rattlers rank 49th in steals per game (7.5) while the Bison rank 172nd (5.5).
Howard ranks 230th in three pointers attempted per game (20.0) while Florida A&M ranks 296th (15.8).
The Bison rank 46th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Rattlers rank 106th (3.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Bison’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.0, up from 0.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rattlers have scored an average of 68.0 points per game (4.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 55.8 points per game (11.0 below their season average).
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