The VMI Keydets (7-13, 1-7 SoCon) and the Citadel Bulldogs (9-10, 1-7 SoCon), who both like to play up-tempo, will face off at McAlister Field House. The game begins at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 26, 2019.
VMI Keydets at Citadel Bulldogs Free Prediction
The last time the Keydets played, they were blown out by the Mercer Bears, 88-68. Mercer’s free throw rate was their largest strength over VMI. The Bears had a rate of 0.246 (below their season average of 0.272), while the Keydets posted a mark of 0.172 (below their season average of 0.208). Garrett Gilkeson played well for VMI, contributing 15 points and nine rebounds.
The Bulldogs were blown out by the UNCG Spartans in their last matchup, 83-60. UNCG’s 0.200 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Citadel, who had a mark of 0.049. The Spartans’ mark was below their season average of 0.219, while the Bulldogs’ was below their season average of 0.200. Citadel’s Zane Najdawi recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds in the contest.
After the Keydets won two out of three matchups against the Bulldogs last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Citadel won 78-70. The Bulldogs had a much better free throw rate (0.267 vs. 0.114) and had a better turnover percentage (13.3 vs. 16.5).
The prolific offense of Citadel will square off against the porous defense of VMI. The Bulldogs rank 36th in offensive efficiency, while the Keydets are 305th in defensive efficiency. The Bulldogs figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. Furthermore, the Keydets, who rank 267th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.206), could have a difficult time getting to the line against the Bulldogs, who rank 58th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.192).
VMI at Citadel Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Citadel, ATS Winner – VMI, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
VMI averages 28.3 three pointers per game, which ranks 17th in the nation. Citadel ranks 271st in three pointers allowed per game (31.3).
The Bulldogs average 38.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 57th in the NCAA. The Keydets rank 255th in rebounds allowed per game (38.7).
Citadel ranks 22nd in assists per game (16.8) while VMI ranks 215th in assists allowed per game (15.3).
The Bulldogs average 7.7 steals per game, which ranks 44th in the nation. The Keydets rank 134th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
Citadel blocks 3.7 opponent shots per game, which ranks 75th in the nation. VMI ranks 123rd in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Keydets’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 12.2, up from 4.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 72.6 points per game (17.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 85.6 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
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