The Belmont Bruins (16-4, 7-2 OVC) look to lengthen their five-game home winning streak when they take on the UT Martin Skyhawks (6-14, 1-8 OVC), who will try to snap their 11-game road losing streak. The game gets underway at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
UT Martin Skyhawks vs. Belmont Bruins Free Prediction
In the Skyhawks’ last matchup, they were topped by the Tennessee State Tigers, 68-67. One of Tennessee State’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 13-16 (81.3 percent), while the Skyhawks were just 12-18 (66.7 percent). Craig Randall was UT Martin’s high scorer with 17 points on 6-for-13 shooting.
The Bruins had no trouble getting past the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks in their last game, 97-71. The Bruins knocked down 32 of their 34 free throws (94.1 percent) and held the Redhawks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 8.6 (below their season average of 26.8). With 23 points and 16 rebounds, Dylan Windler played well for Belmont.
The productive offense of Belmont (37th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 113.2) will battle against the porous defense of UT Martin (341st in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 112.3). The Bruins figure to have the edge on that side of the ball. Additionally, the Skyhawks, who rank 56th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.1 percent), will face a tough challenge against the Bruins, who rank 20th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.6 percent).
After the Bruins won the lone contest against the Skyhawks last season, 65-58, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Bruins had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (24.2 vs. 16.7) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.518 vs. 0.447).
UT Martin Skyhawks at Belmont Bruins Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Belmont, ATS Winner – Belmont, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Belmont ranks fourth in assists per game (19.4) while UT Martin ranks 246th in assists allowed per game (17.5).
The Bruins average 39.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 29th in the nation. The Skyhawks rank 219th in rebounds allowed per game (37.0).
Belmont averages 26.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 33rd in the country. UT Martin ranks 212th in three pointers allowed per game (24.9).
The Bruins rank 46th in blocks per game (4.3) while the Skyhawks rank 130th (2.9).
Belmont ranks 77th in steals per game (7.0) while UT Martin ranks 153rd in steals allowed per game (7.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Skyhawks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.8, down from 4.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 88.8 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.8 points per game (2.3 above their season average).
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