The UIC Flames (1-0) will be at home in UIC Pavilion when they square off with the Saint Joseph’s Hawks (0-1). The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 156 points with UIC opening as a 2-point favorite. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, November 13, 2017.
Saint Joseph’s Hawks at UIC Flames Betting Preview
The Hawks were beaten by the Toledo Rockets in their last outing, 98-87. With 21 points on 6-for-12 shooting, Shavar Newkirk led Saint Joseph’s in scoring. Toledo did an excellent job of making free throws (24-29; 82.8 percent). Saint Joseph’s, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (7.1 vs. 14.9).
The last time the Flames played, they defeated the North Carolina Central Eagles, 65-55. UIC received a boost from Godwin Boahen, who was the teams high scorer with 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting. The Flames had a much better free throw rate (0.232 vs. 0.074) and had a much better turnover percentage (16.9 vs. 28.0).
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, UIC figures to have a noteworthy edge. Since last season, the Flames defense ranks 55th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.475), while the Saint Joseph’s offense ranks 322nd in effective field goal percentage (0.469). Ball security should be an advantage for the Hawks. They rank 57th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.0 percent). Conversely, the Flames have forced the 67th-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents turnover percentage of 17.2 percent).
Since last season, the Hawks are 11-21 straight up (SU) and 12-18-1 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring Saint Joseph’s have had a slight tendency to finish over the projected point total since last season (51.6 percent).
The Flames, on the other hand, are 16-18 SU and 18-14 ATS since last season. UIC’s games have had a tendency to go over the O/U total over that same stretch (56.3 percent).
Saint Joseph’s Hawks vs. UIC Flames ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – UIC, ATS Winner – UIC, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Flames rank 96th in assists per game (14.5) while the Hawks rank 269th (11.4).
- UIC ranks 22nd in blocks per game (5.1) while Saint Joseph’s ranks 131st (3.5).
- UIC ranks 48th in three pointers allowed per game (18.9) while Saint Joseph’s ranks 311th (25.9).
- The Hawks rank 70th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while the Flames rank 254th (7.5).
- UIC averages 39.4 rebounds per game, which ranks 25th in the NCAA. Saint Joseph’s ranks 204th in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
