The Western Carolina Catamounts (0-2) will travel to Moody Coliseum to square off against the SMU Mustangs (1-1). The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 14, 2018.
Western Carolina Catamounts at SMU Mustangs Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last game. The Mustangs fell to the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, 74-64, while the Catamounts lost a tough one against the Charleston Cougars, 77-74.
Western Carolina had a better offensive rebounding percentage (27.6 vs. 26.7) while SMU had a better turnover percentage (13.9 vs. 16.9). SMU’s Ethan Chargois played well, contributing 25 points and eight rebounds. Western Carolina was lifted by Carlos Dotson, who finished with 21 points and eight rebounds.
The offensive glass could be a huge edge for SMU in this meeting. The Mustangs rank 58th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.2 percent), while Western Carolina ranks 309th in defensive rebounding percentage (68.4 percent) since the 2017-18 season. Ball protection could be troublesome for the Catamounts. They rank 325th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 21.1 percent), while the Mustangs have forced the 28th-most turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 21.9 percent).
Western Carolina at SMU ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Western Carolina, ATS Winner – Western Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- SMU ranks 17th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while Western Carolina ranks 265th (7.9).
- The Mustangs average 23.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 122nd in the NCAA. The Catamounts rank 279th in three pointers allowed per game (24.6).
- SMU blocks 3.1 opponent shots per game, which ranks 161st in the NCAA. Western Carolina ranks 213th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- The Mustangs rank 82nd in rebounds allowed per game (33.3) while the Catamounts rank 250th (37.0).
- SMU ranks 100th in assists per game (14.5) while Western Carolina ranks 266th in assists allowed per game (15.1).
