The Furman Paladins (13-2, 2-1 SoCon) will try to slow down the Citadel Bulldogs (9-4, 1-1 SoCon) at Timmons Arena. The game begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Citadel Bulldogs vs. Furman Paladins ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Paladins won big over the Bob Jones University Bruins, 102-48, while the Bulldogs were blown out by the 22nd-ranked Clemson Tigers, 100-80.
Furman dominated every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 3.7 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 39.4. Bob Jones University was 29.2 and 17.2, respectively, for those same stats. Citadel, on the other hand, did a great job of getting and making free throws (18-25; 72.0 percent). Furman rallied around Matt Rafferty, who recorded 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Meanwhile, Lew Stallworth had a solid performance for Citadel, finishing with 15 points and six rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the last contest, the Bulldogs won 100-92. One of Citadel’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 31 free throw attempts, while Furman had 20. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The Bulldogs’ Stallworth has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Rafferty has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Paladins.
Furman could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their productive offense faces off against one of the country’s worst defenses. The Paladins currently rank 51st in offensive efficiency, while Citadel ranks 283rd in defensive efficiency.
Citadel Bulldogs vs. Furman Paladins Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Citadel, ATS Winner – Citadel, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Furman ranks 11th in three pointers attempted per game (29.0) while Citadel ranks 254th in three pointers allowed per game (31.2).
- The Paladins average 9.0 steals per game, which ranks 15th in the nation. The Bulldogs rank 135th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
- Citadel ranks 63rd in blocks per game (3.9) while Furman ranks 97th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- The Paladins rank 30th in assists per game (16.7) while the Bulldogs rank 235th in assists allowed per game (18.5).
- Furman averages 37.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 87th in the country. Citadel ranks 250th in rebounds allowed per game (40.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Paladins have scored an average of 86.6 points per game (7.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.4 points per game (0.7 below their season average).
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 22.2, up from 11.8 for the season.
