The Mississippi State Bulldogs (24-11) meet the Louisville Cardinals (22-13) in the NIT at KFC Yum! Center. The game will air on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, March 20, 2018.
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Louisville Cardinals Free Prediction
The last time the Bulldogs played, they defeated the Baylor Bears, 78-77. Mississippi State had an effective field goal percentage of 0.663 (above their season average of 0.523). Baylor, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 48.3 (above their season average of 35.3). Aric Holman had a good outing for Mississippi State, recording 13 points and eight rebounds.
The Cardinals defeated the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in their last game, 84-68. The Cardinals forced 15 turnovers and had a free throw rate of 0.278 (above their season average of 0.237). Ray Spalding led Louisville in scoring with 18 points on 8-for-11 shooting.
Points could be at a premium as two of the NCAA’s best defenses go head-to-head. Louisville currently ranks 53rd in defensive efficiency (99.4) and Mississippi State is 52nd (99.3).
Lamar Peters has averaged 13.6 points and 4.8 assists over the last five games for Mississippi State.
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Louisville Cardinals ATS Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Louisville, ATS Winner – Louisville, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Mississippi State ranks 125th in rebounds allowed per game (34.2) while Louisville ranks 244th (36.8).
The Cardinals average 6.1 blocks per game, which ranks fourth in the nation. The Bulldogs rank 100th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
Louisville ranks 30th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Mississippi State ranks 63rd (11.9).
The Bulldogs rank 100th in steals per game (6.6) while the Cardinals rank 108th in steals allowed per game (5.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulldogs have been outscored by an average of 2.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Mississippi State has defeated opponents by an average of 5.7 points.
During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 71.8 points per game (4.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.2 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
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