A six-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Connecticut Huskies (9-6, 0-2 AAC) when they meet the SMU Mustangs (10-4, 2-0 AAC) at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 10, 2019.
SMU Mustangs at Connecticut Huskies ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Huskies defeated the Morehead State Eagles 80-70, while the Mustangs beat the Northwestern State Demons 69-58.
The Mustangs had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (46.7 vs. 28.1) and had a much better turnover percentage (15.3 vs. 24.1). Meanwhile, Connecticut dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a turnover percentage of 15.4 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 37.8. For those same stats, Morehead State was 19.9 and 32.5, respectively. Josh Carlton was a key piece for Connecticut with 17 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Jimmy Whitt Jr. had a good outing for SMU, contributing 19 points, six rebounds and five assists.
This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the most recent game, the Mustangs won 80-73. SMU’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Connecticut. The Mustangs had a rate of 0.316, while the Huskies posted a mark of 0.217. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Jalen Adams and Alterique Gilbert have been playing well over the last five games for Connecticut. Adams has averaged 0 points, while Gilbert has put up 0 points a game during that span.
Opposite styles will be on display in this battle. Connecticut has preferred to play up-tempo (80th in possessions per game), while SMU has been more methodical (335th in possessions per game).
SMU Mustangs at Connecticut Huskies ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Connecticut, ATS Winner – Connecticut, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Connecticut ranks 37th in three pointers allowed per game (19.6) while SMU ranks 160th (23.4).
- The Huskies rank 24th in blocks per game (4.9) while the Mustangs rank 84th (3.6).
- Connecticut ranks 131st in assists per game (13.6) while SMU ranks 168th in assists allowed per game (14.3).
- The Mustangs rank 21st in steals allowed per game (5.0) while the Huskies rank 105th (6.5).
- SMU ranks 32nd in rebounds allowed per game (31.4) while Connecticut ranks 113th (34.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 84.0 points per game (5.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.4 points per game (4.1 above their season average).
- The Mustangs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.0, down from 9.9 for the season.
