The FIU Golden Panthers (10-4, 1-0 CUSA) will be at Bartow Arena to challenge the UAB Blazers (9-5, 1-0 CUSA) in a CUSA matchup. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
FIU Golden Panthers at UAB Blazers ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Blazers were victorious over the Mercer Bears 75-67, while the Golden Panthers easily got past the Webber International Warriors 110-84.
The Golden Panthers had a much better turnover percentage (14.8 vs. 22.4) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.571 vs. 0.412). The Blazers, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.537 vs. 0.322) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.8 vs. 25.6). Zack Bryant played a key role for UAB with 12 points and five assists. Brian Beard Jr. had a good game for FIU, putting up 20 points, nine assists and six rebounds.
The Blazers won the lone contest between these two teams last year, 75-64. UAB had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.5 vs. 24.4). FIU, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.200 vs. 0.172). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Beard Jr. and Devon Andrews have played at a high level over the last five games for FIU. Beard Jr. has averaged 0 points per game, while Andrews has put up 0 points a game during that span.
This could end up being a sloppy game for the UAB offense. UAB ranks 280th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.8 percent), while the gambling defense of FIU forces the second-most turnovers in the country (26.9 percent). This game should be a battle of conflicting styles. The up-and-down Golden Panthers rank first in possessions per game, while the more methodical Blazers rank 312th.
FIU Golden Panthers vs. UAB Blazers Free Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – UAB, ATS Winner – UAB, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UAB ranks 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while FIU ranks 265th (44.4).
- The Golden Panthers rank first in steals per game (12.4) while the Blazers rank 79th in steals allowed per game (6.0).
- FIU ranks 55th in blocks per game (4.1) while UAB ranks 58th in blocks allowed per game (3.0).
- The Golden Panthers rank fourth in three pointers attempted per game (30.6) while the Blazers rank 215th (20.0).
- FIU ranks 31st in assists per game (16.7) while UAB ranks 182nd (12.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Golden Panthers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 20.8, up from 10.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Blazers have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (2.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.4 points per game (1.1 above their season average).
