Offense meets defense when the SMU Mustangs (12-9, 4-5 AAC) welcome the South Florida Bulls (15-6, 5-4 AAC) to Moody Coliseum. The game will air on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 7, 2019.
South Florida Bulls vs. SMU Mustangs ATS Prediction
In the Bulls’ last contest, they topped the Memphis Tigers, 84-78. Getting to the charity stripe was one of South Florida’s largest strengths. They had 44 free throw attempts, while Memphis had just 24. With 20 points on 5-for-9 shooting, David Collins led South Florida in scoring.
The Mustangs were beaten by the Cincinnati Bearcats in their last game, 73-68. Cincinnati’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over SMU. The Bearcats had a rate of 0.204 (below their season average of 0.284), while the Mustangs posted a mark of 0.100 (below their season average of 0.210). Jahmal McMurray put together a good performance for SMU, leading the team in scoring with 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Bulls won the most recent matchup 65-54. The Bulls had a much better free throw rate (0.173 vs. 0.032) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.538 vs. 0.419).
This matchup pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. SMU currently ranks 29th in offensive efficiency and South Florida is ninth in defensive efficiency.
South Florida at SMU Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – South Florida, ATS Winner – South Florida, O/U – Under
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
SMU ranks 76th in three pointers attempted per game (24.8) while South Florida ranks 238th (19.7).
The Mustangs rank 10th in steals allowed per game (4.7) while the Bulls rank 161st (7.1).
South Florida averages 13.7 assists per game, which ranks 121st in the NCAA. SMU ranks 211th in assists allowed per game (15.0).
The Mustangs rank 84th in blocks per game (3.6) while the Bulls rank 163rd in blocks allowed per game (4.3).
South Florida ranks 29th in rebounds per game (39.3) while SMU ranks 108th (36.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 7.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Mustangs have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (3.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.0 points per game (8.0 above their season average).
+++++
