The SMU Mustangs (9-4, 1-0 AAC) will be at Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse to take on the Tulane Green Wave (4-9, 0-1 AAC) in an AAC matchup. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, January 4, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
SMU Mustangs at Tulane Green Wave ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Green Wave fell to the 17th-ranked Florida State Seminoles, 80-69, while the Mustangs beat the Northwestern State Demons, 69-58.
The Mustangs had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (46.7 vs. 28.1) and had a much better turnover percentage (15.3 vs. 24.1). Tulane, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.288 vs. 0.267). Kevin Zhang had a solid performance for Tulane, contributing 24 points and seven rebounds. SMU, meanwhile, was lifted by Jimmy Whitt Jr., who contributed 19 points, six rebounds and five assists.
This series was highly competitive last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last game, the Mustangs won 73-62. The Mustangs’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Green Wave. SMU had a rate of 8.5, while Tulane posted a mark of 20.5. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
It could be a sloppy game for the Tulane offense. Tulane ranks 295th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.2 percent), while the gambling defense of SMU forces the 86th-most turnovers in the nation (21.4 percent). Furthermore, the 27th-ranked offense of the Mustangs (offensive efficiency of 116.4) will square off against the 280th-ranked defense of the Green Wave (defensive efficiency of 106.8).
SMU at Tulane Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Smu, ATS Winner – SMU, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- SMU ranks 20th in rebounds allowed per game (30.5) while Tulane ranks 227th (38.8).
- The Mustangs average 15.1 assists per game, which ranks 68th in the nation. The Green Wave rank 128th in assists allowed per game (13.3).
- The Mustangs rank 27th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Green Wave rank 129th (6.9).
- SMU averages 23.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 98th in the NCAA. Tulane ranks 185th in three pointers allowed per game (24.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Mustangs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.0, down from 10.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Green Wave have scored an average of 70.0 points per game (1.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.2 points per game (0.5 below their season average).
