The LSU Tigers (16-11, 7-8 SEC) will try to put an end to a five-game road losing streak when they square off with the Georgia Bulldogs (15-12, 6-9 SEC) at Stegeman Coliseum. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
LSU Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs Free Preview
In the Tigers last matchup, they were victorious over the Vanderbilt Commodores, 88-78. Tremont Waters was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 10-for-18 shooting. LSU dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.396 (above their season average of 0.236) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.719 (above their season average of 0.544). For those same stats, Vanderbilt was 0.125 and 0.547, respectively.
The Bulldogs are hoping for a better outcome after their 66-57 loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks in their last outing. With 13 points and 10 rebounds, Georgia’s Yante Maten played well. South Carolina had a turnover percentage of 6.3 (better than their season average of 16.5). Georgia, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 (above their season average of 34.6).
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams face off. Georgia ranks 329th in possessions per game (65.7) and LSU is 257th (68.0). Additionally, the sharp-shooting offense of the Tigers ranks 43rd in effective field goal percentage (0.550), while the Bulldogs are 10th-best in the NCAA at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.458).
These teams have already met once this season. The Bulldogs won 61-60. Georgia had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (38.2 vs. 19.4). LSU, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (8.0 vs. 13.9). Maten recorded a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds.
LSU Tigers at Georgia Bulldogs Prediction
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Georgia, ATS Winner – Georgia, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Bulldogs rank 37th in blocks per game (4.5) while the Tigers rank 102nd (3.5).
- Georgia ranks 11th in assists allowed per game (10.2) while LSU ranks 71st (12.2).
- LSU ranks 46th in steals per game (7.4) while Georgia ranks 255th (4.0).
- The Bulldogs rank 39th in rebounds per game (38.7) while the Tigers rank 243rd (33.3).
- LSU ranks 120th in three pointers attempted per game (22.8) while Georgia ranks 263rd (18.6).
Betting Trends:
- The Bulldogs have been outscored by an average of 5.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Georgia has defeated opponents by an average of 1.3 points.
- During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 72.6 points per game (4.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.0 points per game (1.3 below their season average).
