The New Orleans Privateers (15-16) square off with the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (15-17) in the College Basketball Invitational at Lakefront Arena. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 14, 2018.
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. New Orleans Privateers Free Prediction
The Vaqueros are trying to rebound after their 77-60 loss to the Seattle Redhawks in their last matchup. Seattle’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over UT Rio Grande Valley. The Redhawks had a rate of 37.1 (above their season average of 30.7), while the Vaqueros posted a mark of 22.7 (below their season average of 28.5). Nick Dixon was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 6-for-17 shooting.
In the Privateers’ last matchup, they were blown out by the Sam Houston State Bearkats, 85-63. Sam Houston State won the rebounding battle. The Bearkats had 17 offensive rebounds and 45 total rebounds, while the Privateers had six and 23, respectively. New Orleans’ Makur Puou finished with 11 points and seven rebounds in the game.
This has potential to be an error-filled game for the offense of New Orleans. New Orleans ranks 344th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 22.5 percent), while the pesky defense of UT Rio Grande Valley forces the 58th-most turnovers in the NCAA (20.9 percent).
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. New Orleans Privateers ATS Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – UT Rio Grande Valley, ATS Winner – UT Rio Grande Valley, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
New Orleans ranks 55th in rebounds allowed per game (32.6) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 301st (40.5).
The Vaqueros rank 25th in steals per game (7.7) while the Privateers rank 209th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
New Orleans ranks 97th in assists per game (14.5) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 239th in assists allowed per game (15.0).
The Vaqueros rank 208th in three-pointers attempted per game (20.2) while the Privateers rank 307th (13.5).
New Orleans averages 3.6 blocks per game, which ranks 102nd in the nation. UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 164th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Vaqueros’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 12.0, up from 2.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Privateers have scored an average of 65.6 points per game (3.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (2.6 above their season average).
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