The Samford Bulldogs (11-5, 1-2 SoCon) and the Western Carolina Catamounts (3-13, 0-3 SoCon) face off at Ramsey Center. The Bulldogs look to prolong their five-game winning streak. The game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Samford Bulldogs at Western Carolina Catamounts Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Catamounts lost big to the Wright State Raiders, 96-73, while the Bulldogs were victorious over the North Alabama Lions, 91-74.
The Bulldogs had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.664 vs. 0.431) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.0 vs. 25.5). Western Carolina, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (25.0 vs. 22.6). Western Carolina rallied around D.J. Myers, who finished with 11 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Ruben Guerrero had a good game for Samford, recording 17 points and six rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Catamounts won the most recent matchup 88-71. Western Carolina won the rebounding battle. The Catamounts had more offensive rebounds (14 vs. five), defensive rebounds (37 vs. 20) and total rebounds (51 vs. 25). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Guerrero has really been playing well recently for Samford, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
Western Carolina might have difficulty putting up points as they go head-to-head against one of the nation’s best defenses. Samford ranks 95th in defensive efficiency while the Catamounts rank 323rd in offensive efficiency.
Samford Bulldogs at Western Carolina Catamounts Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Samford, ATS Winner – Western Carolina, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Western Carolina ranks 88th in three pointers attempted per game (24.5) while Samford ranks 231st (19.6).
- The Catamounts average 35.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 156th in the NCAA. The Bulldogs rank 178th in rebounds allowed per game (36.8).
- The Bulldogs rank 30th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Catamounts rank 144th (4.6).
- Samford averages 7.3 steals per game, which ranks 75th in the nation. Western Carolina ranks 178th in steals allowed per game (8.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Catamounts’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 10.2, down from 10.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.6 points per game (5.6 below their season average).
