The No. 5 West Virginia Mountaineers (25-10) go head-to-head against the No. 13 Marshall Thundering Herd (25-10) in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl. The game is scheduled to get underway at 9:40 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 18, 2018.
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Prediction
In the First Round, the Thundering Herd defeated the No. 4 Wichita State Shockers, 81-75. The Thundering Herd forced 15 turnovers, while the Shockers had a free throw rate of 0.200 (below their season average of 0.259). Marshall received a boost from Jon Elmore, who was the team’s high scorer with 27 points on 6-for-13 shooting.
The Mountaineers defeated the No. 12 Murray State Racers in the First Round, 85-68. West Virginia’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Murray State. The Mountaineers had a rate of 9.9 (better than their season average of 13.5), while the Racers posted a mark of 20.7 (above their season average of 15.3). Jevon Carter led West Virginia in scoring with 21 points on 9-for-17 shooting.
West Virginia could dominate the offensive glass in this battle. The Mountaineers rank fourth in offensive rebounding percentage (36.7 percent), while Marshall ranks 302nd in defensive rebounding percentage (68.4 percent).
Marshall Thundering Herd vs. West Virginia Mountaineers ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – West Virginia, ATS Winner – West Virginia, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
West Virginia averages 37.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 65th in the nation. Marshall ranks 310th in rebounds allowed per game (40.7).
The Thundering Herd average 5.9 blocks per game, which ranks sixth in the nation. The Mountaineers rank 195th in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
West Virginia ranks 67th in assists per game (15.1) while Marshall ranks 245th in assists allowed per game (14.9).
The Mountaineers average 8.1 steals per game, which ranks 13th in the NCAA. The Thundering Herd rank 169th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
Marshall averages 28.2 three-pointers per game, which ranks 12th in the NCAA. West Virginia ranks 70th in three-pointers allowed per game (20.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Thundering Herd’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.0, up from 5.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Mountaineers have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (4.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (3.8 above their season average).
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