Expect a low-scoring game when the Samford Bulldogs (11-4, 1-1 SoCon) clash with the East Tennessee State Buccaneers (11-4, 1-1 SoCon) at Freedom Hall Civic Center. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
Samford Bulldogs vs. East Tennessee State Buccaneers Betting Odds
In their last game, the Buccaneers lost to the Georgia State Panthers, 74-68, while the Bulldogs beat the North Alabama Lions, 91-74.
The Bulldogs had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.664 vs. 0.431) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.0 vs. 25.5). East Tennessee State, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (52.9 vs. 40.5). Isaiah Tisdale played well for East Tennessee State, recording 19 points and five rebounds. Samford was lifted by Ruben Guerrero, who contributed 17 points and six rebounds.
The Buccaneers dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last contest, East Tennessee State won 96-76. East Tennessee State made 14 of their 31 three pointers (45.2 percent). Samford was, meanwhile, 5-19 (26.3 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Bulldogs’ Guerrero has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Jeromy Rodriguez has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Buccaneers.
The offensive glass should be a major advantage for East Tennessee State in this meeting. The Buccaneers rank sixth in offensive rebounding percentage (39.8 percent), while Samford ranks 274th in defensive rebounding percentage (68.5 percent). Also, the sweet-shooting offense of the Bulldogs ranks 54th in effective field goal percentage (0.540), while the Buccaneers are 58th-best in the nation at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.465).
Samford vs. East Tennessee State ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – East Tennessee State, ATS Winner – Samford, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- East Tennessee State ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (28.7) while Samford ranks 140th (36.0).
- The Buccaneers rank 74th in steals per game (7.1) while the Bulldogs rank 134th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
- East Tennessee State ranks 54th in assists per game (15.4) while Samford ranks 108th in assists allowed per game (13.1).
- The Buccaneers rank 126th in three pointers attempted per game (22.8) while the Bulldogs rank 233rd (19.3).
- Samford ranks 20th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while East Tennessee State ranks 112th (3.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Buccaneers have scored an average of 81.6 points per game (2.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.6 points per game (1.6 above their season average).
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.6, up from 8.5 for the season.
