A nine-game home winning streak is on the line for the Sam Houston State Bearkats (18-9, 13-1 SthLnd) when they meet the Houston Baptist Huskies (10-14, 6-7 SthLnd) at Johnson Coliseum. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019.
Houston Baptist Huskies at Sam Houston State Bearkats Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Bearkats were victorious over the Nicholls Colonels 84-74, while the Huskies dismantled the Northwestern State Demons 92-54.
Houston Baptist played a flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.187 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 10.7 (better than their season average of 17.8). Northwestern State put up marks of 0.075 and 20.4, respectively, for those same stats. The Bearkats, meanwhile, held the Colonels to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.7 (below their season average of 24.9). The Colonels had a free throw rate of 0.200 (below the 0.297 mark opponents have averaged against Sam Houston State this season). Kai Mitchell played well for Sam Houston State with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Meanwhile, Braxton Bonds led the way for Houston Baptist, putting up 13 points, six rebounds and six assists.
In their first matchup this season, Mitchell led the Bearkats to a 71-65 win. He was the game’s leading scorer with 18 points. The Bearkats’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Huskies. Sam Houston State had a rate of 17.2, while Houston Baptist posted a mark of 23.6.
It could be an error-filled game for the Houston Baptist offense. Houston Baptist ranks 298th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.8 percent), while the disruptive defense of Sam Houston State forces the 27th-most turnovers in the NCAA (22.9 percent).
Houston Baptist Huskies vs. Sam Houston State Bearkats Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Sam Houston State, ATS Winner – Sam Houston State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Sam Houston State ranks 62nd in three pointers attempted per game (25.1) while Houston Baptist ranks 252nd (19.0).
- The Huskies rank 34th in rebounds per game (38.9) while the Bearkats rank 134th (36.0).
- Sam Houston State blocks 3.0 opponent shots per game, which is ranked 139th in the country. Houston Baptist ranks 170th in blocks allowed per game (4.3).
- The Bearkats rank 30th in assists per game (15.9) while the Huskies rank 218th in assists allowed per game (14.8).
- Sam Houston State ranks 40th in steals per game (7.7) while Houston Baptist ranks 200th in steals allowed per game (7.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 81.0 points per game (0.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.6 points per game (8.5 below their season average).
- The Bearkats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, down from 6.0 for the season.
