The Grand Canyon Antelopes (11-7, 4-1 WAC) welcome the UMKC Kangaroos (7-11, 2-1 WAC) to Grand Canyon University Arena as they attempt to continue their six-game home winning streak. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.
UMKC Kangaroos vs. Grand Canyon Antelopes Free Prediction
In the Kangaroos’ last game, they were defeated by the Bakersfield Roadrunners, 74-73. Bakersfield’s 0.526 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over UMKC, who had a rate of 0.527. The Roadrunners’ mark was above their season average of 0.493. Xavier Bishop was the game’s leading scorer with 19 points on 6-for-13 shooting.
The Antelopes easily got past the Chicago State Cougars in their last game, 80-46. The Antelopes had a superb free throw rate of 0.268 (above their season average of 0.245), while the Cougars had a turnover percentage of 29.2 (above their season average of 20.3). With 11 points and six rebounds, Trey Drechsel had a solid game for Grand Canyon.
It could be a tough game for UMKC on the offensive glass. The Kangaroos are among the country’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 298th in offensive rebounding percentage at 24.9 percent. Meanwhile, Grand Canyon ranks 33rd in the country at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 76.1 percent.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Brandon McKissic (14 points,1.6 steals) has been fantastic for the Kangaroos while Carlos Johnson (11 points,5.2 rebounds,1.2 steals) has contributed greatly to the Antelopes.
After the Antelopes won all three meetings against the Kangaroos last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent game, Grand Canyon won 77-74. The Antelopes had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (45.0 vs. 33.3) and had a better turnover percentage (12.7 vs. 16.7).
UMKC Kangaroos vs. Grand Canyon Antelopes Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Grand Canyon, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Grand Canyon ranks 115th in rebounds per game (36.4) while UMKC ranks 261st (31.7).
The Antelopes rank 26th in assists allowed per game (10.6) while the Kangaroos rank 155th (13.8).
UMKC ranks 32nd in steals per game (8.3) while Grand Canyon ranks 144th (5.9).
The Antelopes rank ninth in three pointers allowed per game (17.4) while the Kangaroos rank 87th (21.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Kangaroos have outscored opponents by an average of 4.6 points in their last five games. For the season, UMKC has lost by an average of 2.3 points.
During their last five games, the Antelopes have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.0 points per game (6.5 below their season average).
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