The UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (7-4) will be at home in UTRGV Fieldhouse when they clash against the Texas State Bobcats (9-1). Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
Texas State Bobcats at UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Vaqueros defeated the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions 91-84, while the Bobcats beat the Air Force Falcons 67-57.
The Bobcats had a much better turnover percentage (14.5 vs. 24.4) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.549 vs. 0.500). Meanwhile, UT Rio Grande Valley’s 6.5 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Texas A&M-Commerce, who had a rate of 21.6. Terry Winn III played a key role for UT Rio Grande Valley with 18 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Nijal Pearson had a solid performance for Texas State, contributing 21 points and five assists.
The Bobcats won the lone game between these two teams last year, 75-58. Texas State’s rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Bobcats had more offensive rebounds (14 vs. eight), defensive rebounds (30 vs. 19) and total rebounds (44 vs. 27). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Lesley Varner II and Winn III have played at a high level over the last five games for UT Rio Grande Valley. Varner II has averaged 0 points, while Winn III has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
UT Rio Grande Valley might have trouble putting up points as they go head-to-head against one of the nation’s best defenses. Texas State ranks 89th in defensive efficiency, while the Vaqueros rank 327th in offensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Bobcats rank 277th in turnover percentage (19.7 percent), while the Vaqueros rank 10th in opponents’ turnover percentage (25.2 percent).
Texas State Bobcats at UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Free Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – UT Rio Grande Valley, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Texas State ranks 25th in rebounds allowed per game (30.3) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 283rd (42.5).
- The Vaqueros rank 99th in blocks per game (3.5) while the Bobcats rank 162nd in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
- The Vaqueros rank fourth in steals per game (9.8) while the Bobcats rank 159th (6.8).
- UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 14th in three pointers allowed per game (18.1) while Texas State ranks 107th (22.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bobcats\u2019 average margin of victory in their last five games has been 18.6, up from 14.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Vaqueros have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (5.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.0 points per game (5.4 above their season average).
