It will be a battle between two exceptional defenses when the Old Dominion Monarchs (16-6, 6-3 CUSA) clash with the North Texas Mean Green (18-3, 6-2 CUSA) at Constant Convocation Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
North Texas Mean Green vs. Old Dominion Monarchs ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Monarchs lost a close one to the UTSA Roadrunners, 74-73, while the Mean Green beat the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, 70-53.
North Texas played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 15.1 (better than their season average of 16.4) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.6 (above their season average of 32.9). For those same stats, Middle Tennessee recorded marks of 24.8 and 28.2, respectively. Old Dominion, on the other hand, held UTSA to an offensive rebounding percentage of 10.3 (below their season average of 27.7). B.J. Stith put together a good performance for Old Dominion with 23 points and 12 rebounds. North Texas, meanwhile, rallied around Ryan Woolridge, who recorded 14 points and seven rebounds.
The Monarchs won the lone game between these two teams last season, 63-60. The Monarchs’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Mean Green. Old Dominion had a rate of 14.2, while North Texas posted a mark of 18.4. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Points could be at a premium in this battle between two of the nation’s best defenses. Old Dominion currently ranks 19th in defensive efficiency (92.8) and North Texas is 14th (91.7). Moreover, the Mean Green are among the country’s elite on the offensive backboards, ranking 57th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.2 percent). The Monarchs, however, rank 20th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.4 percent).
North Texas Mean Green vs. Old Dominion Monarchs Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Old Dominion, ATS Winner – North Texas, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Old Dominion ranks 30th in blocks per game (4.6) while North Texas ranks 144th (2.7).
- The Mean Green rank 64th in rebounds per game (38.0) while the Monarchs rank 122nd in rebounds allowed per game (34.4).
- North Texas allows the ninth-fewest assists per game (9.8) while Old Dominion ranks 55th (11.5).
- The Mean Green rank 36th in three pointers allowed per game (19.1) while the Monarchs rank 129th (22.0).
- Old Dominion ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (4.4) while North Texas ranks 96th (6.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Monarchs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, down from 6.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Mean Green have scored an average of 65.4 points per game (8.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.4 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
