The UNI Panthers (8-10, 3-2 MVC) head to Valparaiso to take on the Crusaders (11-7, 4-1 MVC) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
UNI Panthers at Valparaiso Crusaders Betting Prediction
In the Panthers’ last contest, they defeated the Indiana State Sycamores, 69-64. The Panthers held the Sycamores to an offensive rebounding percentage of 9.7 (below their season average of 27.1) and had a turnover percentage of 11.0 (better than their season average of 16.1). With 21 points on 7-for-13 shooting, Spencer Haldeman was the game’s leading scorer.
The Crusaders were beaten by the Loyola Chicago Ramblers in their last matchup, 71-54. Loyola Chicago’s 18.2 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Valparaiso, who had a mark of 12.0. The Ramblers’ mark was below their season average of 18.6, while the Crusaders’ was below their season average of 28.8. With 16 points on 6-for-8 shooting, Markus Golder was the game’s high scorer.
After the Panthers won both contests against the Crusaders last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, UNI won 68-63. The Panthers had a much better free throw rate (0.579 vs. 0.160) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.605 vs. 0.550).
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the country’s slowest-paced teams clash. Valparaiso currently ranks 296th in possessions per game (67.2) and UNI is 324th (66.2).
UNI Panthers at Valparaiso Crusaders Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Valparaiso, ATS Winner – Valparaiso, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UNI ranks 50th in three pointers attempted per game (25.9) while Valparaiso ranks 196th (20.4).
The Panthers are sixth in the nation with 2.1 blocks allowed per game while the Crusaders are 35th with 2.6 blocks allowed per game.
Valparaiso averages 15.3 assists per game, which ranks 59th in the NCAA. UNI ranks 76th in assists allowed per game (12.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Panthers have outscored opponents by an average of 3.6 points in their last five games. On the season, UNI has been defeated by an average of 2.1 points.
During their last five games, the Crusaders have scored an average of 64.0 points per game (7.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.8 points per game (6.5 below their season average).
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