It will be a battle between CUSA opponents when the UTEP Miners (6-11, 1-5 CUSA) welcome the Old Dominion Monarchs (15-5, 5-2 CUSA) to the Don Haskins Center. The game begins at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 24, 2019.
Old Dominion Monarchs at UTEP Miners Free Prediction
The last time the Monarchs played, they topped the Charlotte 49ers, 76-70. Old Dominion’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Charlotte. The Monarchs had a rate of 12.8 (better than their season average of 15.0), while the 49ers posted a mark of 19.9 (above the 16.7 mark opponents have averaged against Old Dominion this season). Old Dominion rallied around B.J. Stith, who was the team’s high scorer with 22 points on 5-for-14 shooting.
The Miners lost a close one to the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in their last matchup, 75-72. Middle Tennessee’s 15.6 turnover percentage was their largest strength over UTEP, who had a mark of 25.3. The Blue Raiders’ mark was better than their season average of 21.6, while the Miners’ was above their season average of 20.4. UTEP’s Jordan Lathon had 12 points and 10 rebounds in the contest.
After the Monarchs won the only contest against the Miners last season, 82-33, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Monarchs had a much better turnover percentage (7.9 vs. 24.4) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.594 vs. 0.294).
The ineffective offense of UTEP (323rd in the country with an offensive efficiency of 95.5) will face off against the stingy defense of Old Dominion (27th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 93.3). The Monarchs figure to have the advantage on that end of the court.
Old Dominion Monarchs at UTEP Miners Free Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Old Dominion, ATS Winner – UTEP, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Old Dominion ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (4.3) while UTEP ranks 119th (6.6).
The Monarchs average 39.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 40th in the nation. The Miners rank 151st in rebounds allowed per game (35.2).
Old Dominion ranks 37th in blocks per game (4.5) while UTEP ranks 135th (2.8).
The Monarchs rank 141st in three pointers attempted per game (22.6) while the Miners rank 233rd (19.5).
UTEP allows the 45th-fewest assists per game (11.2) while Old Dominion ranks 46th (11.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Monarchs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, down from 7.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Miners have scored an average of 62.8 points per game (3.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.0 points per game (1.2 below their season average).
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