The Furman Paladins (14-2, 3-1 SoCon) travel to Cameron Hall to meet the VMI Keydets (6-9, 0-3 SoCon). The Paladins look to prolong their 12-game winning streak. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 10, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.
Furman Paladins at VMI Keydets ATS Odds
Both teams blew out their last opponent. The Keydets defeated the Washington College Shoremen 89-56, while the Paladins beat the Bob Jones University Bruins 102-48.
Furman dominated every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 3.7 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 39.4. Bob Jones University recorded marks of 29.2 and 17.2, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, VMI played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.235 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.537. Washington College was 0.081 and 0.338, respectively, for those same stats. Greg Parham had a good outing for VMI, recording 11 points and 10 assists. Meanwhile, Furman rallied around Matt Rafferty, who contributed 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The Paladins dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the most recent game, Furman won 76-54. Furman’s 0.616 effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over VMI, who had a mark of 0.385. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Paladins’ Rafferty has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Bubba Parham has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Keydets.
Points at the line might be rare for VMI in this meeting. The Keydets currently rank 267th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.206, while Furman ranks first in FTA rate allowed (0.136). Furthermore, the 39th-ranked offense of the Paladins (offensive efficiency of 114.1) will face off against the 256th-ranked defense of the Keydets (defensive efficiency of 105.0).
Furman at VMI Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Furman, ATS Winner – Furman, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Furman ranks 65th in rebounds per game (38.6) while VMI ranks 249th in rebounds allowed per game (40.0).
- The Paladins rank 15th in steals per game (9.1) while the Keydets rank 99th (6.7).
- Furman blocks 4.1 opponent shots per game, which ranks 59th in the NCAA. VMI ranks 114th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
- The Paladins average 16.6 assists per game, which ranks 32nd in the nation. The Keydets rank 187th in assists allowed per game (14.7).
- VMI averages 28.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 15th in the NCAA. Furman ranks 163rd in three pointers allowed per game (23.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Paladins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 21.2, up from 13.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Keydets have scored an average of 80.4 points per game (4.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.6 points per game (7.5 below their season average).
