The Pittsburgh Panthers (7-3) and the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (1-9) square off at Petersen Events Center. The Panthers have won their last six games, while the Hawks have lost five games in a row. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018, and will air on ACC Network.
Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks vs. Pittsburgh Panthers ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Panthers defeated the Youngstown State Penguins, 69-53, while the Hawks were beaten by the Georgetown Hoyas, 68-53.
Pittsburgh played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.236 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.509. Youngstown State was 0.134 and 0.328, respectively, for those same stats. Maryland Eastern Shore, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (19.3 vs. 23.9). Pittsburgh’s Xavier Johnson had a solid performance, finishing with 16 points, six assists and five rebounds. Maryland Eastern Shore was led by Bryan Urrutia, who put up 13 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Johnson has taken his game to another level recently for Pittsburgh, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
When looking at effective field goal percentage, Pittsburgh should have a substantial edge. The Panthers defense ranks 18th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.444), while the Maryland Eastern Shore offense is ranked 346th in effective field goal percentage (0.413).
Maryland Eastern Shore vs. Pittsburgh Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Pittsburgh, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Pittsburgh ranks 91st in rebounds per game (37.5) while Maryland Eastern Shore ranks 273rd (28.7).
- The Panthers rank 215th in three pointers allowed per game (24.6) while the Hawks rank 260th (26.8).
- Pittsburgh ranks 99th in blocks per game (3.5) while Maryland Eastern Shore ranks 100th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
- The Panthers rank 114th in assists allowed per game (12.8) while the Hawks rank 239th (15.8).
- Maryland Eastern Shore ranks 44th in steals per game (7.6) while Pittsburgh ranks 145th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 83.0 points per game (6.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.0 points per game (1.5 below their season average).
- The Hawks\u2019 average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 27.2, up from 17.9 for the season.
