The Appalachian State Mountaineers (5-9, 0-1 SBC) visit Trojan Arena to square off against the Troy Trojans (7-6, 0-1 SBC). The Mountaineers can put an end to a seven-game road losing streak. The game begins at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Appalachian State Mountaineers at Troy Trojans ATS Odds
Both teams had no trouble getting past their last opponent. The Trojans defeated the Fort Valley State Wildcats 95-60, while the Mountaineers beat the Mars Hill Lions 125-62.
Appalachian State played a flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.5 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.729. Mars Hill recorded marks of 27.5 and 0.427, respectively, for those same stats. Troy, on the other hand, dominated every facet of their game. They had a turnover percentage of 8.8 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.7. Fort Valley State put up marks of 30.0 and 27.6, respectively, for those same stats. Alex Hicks played a key role for Troy with 19 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Appalachian State rallied around Justin Forrest, who put up 23 points.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the last game, the Mountaineers won 65-54. Appalachian State’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over Troy. The Mountaineers had a rate of 0.491 while the Trojans posted a mark of 0.310. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Conflicting tempos will be on display in this matchup. Appalachian State prefers a fast-paced style of play (31st in possessions per game), while Troy is methodical (196th in possessions per game).
Appalachian State Mountaineers at Troy Trojans Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Troy, ATS Winner – Troy, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Appalachian State ranks 31st in three pointers allowed per game (19.4) while Troy ranks 180th (24.2).
- The Trojans average 6.5 steals per game, which ranks 106th in the NCAA. The Mountaineers rank 112th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
- The Trojans average 36.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 141st in the nation. The Mountaineers rank 231st in rebounds allowed per game (38.8).
- Troy ranks 40th in blocks per game (4.5) while Appalachian State ranks 129th (2.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Mountaineers have scored an average of 86.0 points per game (3.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 82.2 points per game (3.8 above their season average).
- The Trojans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.4, down from 4.4 for the season.
