The Sam Houston State Bearkats (6-8, 1-0 SthLnd) look to end their seven-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Central Arkansas Bears (6-9, 1-1 SthLnd) at Farris Center. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Sam Houston State Bearkats at Central Arkansas Bears ATS Prediction
The Bearkats will be hoping for a similar outcome after blowing out the East Texas Baptist Tigers in their last outing, 85-64. The Bearkats had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.9 vs. 14.3) and had a much better turnover percentage (14.3 vs. 22.2). Kai Mitchell played a pivotal role for Sam Houston State with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
In the Bears’ previous outing, they were beaten by the Missouri Tigers, 68-55. Missouri’s 26.2 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Central Arkansas, who had a mark of 17.1. Eddy Kayouloud put together a good performance for Central Arkansas, leading the team in scoring with 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, the Bears won 88-70. The Bears made 14 of their 16 free throws (87.5 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.649 vs. 0.525).
This could end up being a mistake-prone game for the Central Arkansas offense. Central Arkansas ranks 297th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.2 percent), while the disruptive defense of Sam Houston State forces the 44th-most turnovers in the NCAA (22.8 percent).
Sam Houston State at Central Arkansas Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Central Arkansas, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Sam Houston State ranks 61st in assists per game (15.4) while Central Arkansas ranks 209th in assists allowed per game (15.6).
The Bearkats average 37.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 104th in the country. The Bears rank 222nd in rebounds allowed per game (38.3).
Sam Houston State ranks 75th in three pointers attempted per game (24.9) while Central Arkansas ranks 176th in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
The Bears rank 32nd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Bearkats rank 96th (3.4).
Sam Houston State averages 7.2 steals per game, which ranks 74th in the NCAA. Central Arkansas ranks 95th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Bearkats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, up from 1.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 79.0 points per game (7.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.4 points per game (1.1 below their season average).
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