The BYU Cougars (17-10, 9-3 WCC) and their phenomenal offense head to Loyola Marymount to take on the Lions (17-9, 5-7 WCC) and their tremendous defense. Action starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
BYU Cougars vs. Loyola Marymount Lions ATS Odds
In their last game, the Lions were beaten by the third-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs, 73-60, while the Cougars were victorious over the San Diego Toreros, 88-82.
BYU’s 8.7 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over San Diego, who had a mark of 22.8. The Cougars’ mark was better than their season average of 13.5, while the Toreros’ was above their season average of 17.1. Loyola Marymount, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 6.4 (better than their season average of 17.8). Eli Scott had a good game for Loyola Marymount, contributing 11 points, six rebounds and five assists. BYU, meanwhile, received a boost from TJ Haws, who recorded 35 points and seven assists.
In their first matchup this year, Gavin Baxter led the Cougars to a 67-49 victory. He recorded a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds. The Cougars’ 14.7 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Lions, who had a rate of 23.5.
The aggressive Loyola Marymount offense might be getting to the foul line a lot in this battle. The Lions rank 78th in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.265, while BYU is among the country’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 273rd-ranked FTA rate of 0.256). Furthermore, the 58th-ranked offense of the Cougars (offensive efficiency of 111.6) will square off against the 37th-ranked defense of the Lions (defensive efficiency of 95.6).
BYU vs. Loyola Marymount ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Loyola Marymount, ATS Winner – Loyola Marymount, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Loyola Marymount ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (29.2) while BYU ranks 220th (36.7).
- The Cougars rank 29th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Lions rank 143rd (3.7).
- BYU ranks 34th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Loyola Marymount ranks 81st (5.9).
- The Cougars average 15.6 assists per game, which ranks 41st in the country. The Lions rank 176th in assists allowed per game (13.8).
- BYU ranks 176th in three pointers attempted per game (21.8) while Loyola Marymount ranks 301st (15.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, up from 4.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Lions have scored an average of 60.8 points per game (6.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.4 points per game (1.8 below their season average).
