The Abilene Christian Wildcats (12-2, 1-0 SthLnd) travel to Johnson Coliseum to challenge the Sam Houston State Bearkats (5-8). The Wildcats look to continue their seven-game winning streak. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Abilene Christian Wildcats vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats Betting Odds
Both teams had no trouble getting past their last opponent. The Bearkats defeated the East Texas Baptist Tigers 85-64, while the Wildcats beat the Arlington Baptist Patriots 107-54.
Abilene Christian dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 50.0 and a turnover percentage of 12.8. Arlington Baptist put up marks of 20.6 and 27.9, respectively, for those same stats. Sam Houston State, meanwhile, played a flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.9 and a turnover percentage of 14.3. For those same stats, East Texas Baptist was 14.3 and 22.2, respectively. Sam Houston State’s Kai Mitchell played well, finishing with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Jaren Lewis played a pivotal role for Abilene Christian with 18 points.
This series was highly contested last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Bearkats won the most recent game 84-77. Sam Houston State did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (26-32; 81.3 percent). Abilene Christian, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.7 vs. 25.8). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Lewis has taken his game to another level recently for Abilene Christian, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
Sam Houston State might have trouble scoring as they go head-to-head against one of the nation’s best defenses. Abilene Christian ranks 31st in defensive efficiency while the Bearkats rank 218th in offensive efficiency.
Abilene Christian at Sam Houston State Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Sam Houston State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Abilene Christian ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (16.6) while Sam Houston State ranks 155th (23.3).
- The Wildcats rank seventh in assists allowed per game (9.5) while the Bearkats rank 105th (12.8).
- Abilene Christian ranks 10th in rebounds allowed per game (29.3) while Sam Houston State ranks 98th (35.2).
- The Wildcats rank ninth in blocks allowed per game (2.0) while the Bearkats rank 126th (3.5).
- Abilene Christian ranks 12th in steals per game (9.3) while Sam Houston State ranks 115th (7.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.6, up from 15.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bearkats have scored an average of 74.2 points per game (2.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.0 points per game (0.9 below their season average).
