The NCAA’s top scoring team will be at home in McAlister Field House, when the Citadel Bulldogs (9-6, 1-3 SoCon) challenge the Western Carolina Catamounts (4-14, 1-4 SoCon). Action gets underway at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Western Carolina Catamounts at Citadel Bulldogs Betting Odds
Both teams lost in their last outing. The Bulldogs lost big to the East Tennessee State Buccaneers, 98-73, while the Catamounts were beaten by the Mercer Bears, 84-80.
Western Carolina had an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.7 (above their season average of 29.5) while Citadel did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (7-10; 70.0 percent). Citadel’s Zane Najdawi led the way, contributing 11 points and eight rebounds. Marc Gosselin, meanwhile played a key role for Western Carolina with 14 points and nine rebounds.
The Catamounts dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in both contests. In the last matchup, Western Carolina won 92-75. Western Carolina’s 0.243 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Citadel, who had a mark of 0.153. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Citadel could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their productive offense goes up against one of the country’s worst defenses. The Bulldogs rank 11th in offensive efficiency, while Western Carolina ranks 328th in defensive efficiency.
Western Carolina at Citadel ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Citadel, ATS Winner – Western Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Western Carolina ranks 36th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while Citadel ranks 264th (41.8).
- The Bulldogs rank 44th in steals per game (7.9) while the Catamounts rank 189th (4.8).
- Citadel blocks 3.9 opponent shots per game, which is ranked 73rd in the country. Western Carolina ranks 136th in blocks allowed per game (4.3).
- The Catamounts rank 37th in three pointers allowed per game (19.7) while the Bulldogs rank 255th (31.6).
- Citadel ranks ninth in assists per game (18.3) while Western Carolina ranks 183rd (12.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulldogs have been outscored by an average of 16.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Citadel has defeated opponents by an average of 7.5 points.
- During their last five games, the Catamounts have scored an average of 64.8 points per game (3.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.6 points per game (3.2 below their season average).