in , ,

UNCG Spartans vs. Samford Bulldogs Free Preview 12/22/18

Dec 19, 2018; Knoxville, TN, USA; Samford Bulldogs guard Steven Fitzgerald (11) looks to pass the ball against Tennessee Volunteers forward Yves Pons (35) during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Tennessee won 83 to 70. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

The Samford Bulldogs (10-3) look to lengthen their five-game winning streak against the UNCG Spartans (11-2) at Pete Hanna Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.

UNCG Spartans at Samford Bulldogs Betting Prediction

In the Spartans’ last game, they defeated the North Carolina A&T Aggies, 74-66. UNCG’s 54.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over North Carolina A&T, who had a mark of 41.0. UNCG received a boost from Francis Alonso, who was the game’s leading scorer with 23 points on 9-for-16 shooting.

The Bulldogs were victorious over the North Alabama Lions in their last contest, 91-74. Samford couldn’t miss, shooting 62.3 percent from the field. North Alabama, on the other hand, had a field goal percentage of just 33.3. With 17 points and six rebounds, Ruben Guerrero played well for Samford.

After the Spartans won both contests against the Bulldogs last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent game, UNCG won 88-75. The Spartans had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (46.9 vs. 16.0) and had a better turnover percentage (15.7 vs. 19.1).

Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Alonso (0 points) has been stellar for the Spartans while Guerrero (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Bulldogs.

This could end up being an error-filled game for the offense of Samford. Samford ranks 280th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.8 percent), while the disruptive defense of UNCG forces the eighth-most turnovers in the country (25.5 percent). Also, the sweet-shooting offense of the Spartans ranks 39th in effective field goal percentage (0.558), while the Bulldogs are 26th-best in the nation at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.446).

UNCG vs. Samford Pick

Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Samford, ATS Winner – Samford, O/U – Under

Click Here to Start Betting Today!

Notes

Betting Notes:

UNCG ranks 17th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Samford ranks 129th (6.8).

The Spartans rank 121st in three pointers attempted per game (22.9) while the Bulldogs rank 225th (19.6).

UNCG ranks 31st in assists allowed per game (10.5) while Samford ranks 112th (13.1).

The Bulldogs rank 64th in rebounds per game (37.8) while the Spartans rank 98th in rebounds allowed per game (34.1).

UNCG and Samford rank 30th in blocks allows per game (2.5).

Bettings Trends:

The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.8, up from 15.5 for the season.

During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (2.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.6 points per game (3.9 below their season average).

^^^^^

Written by GMS Previews

BYU Cougars vs. San Diego State Aztecs Free Preview 12/22/18

Week 16 Free Preview: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Seattle Seahawks