The Alabama A&M Bulldogs (0-4) will travel to Gallagher Center to meet the Niagara Purple Eagles (1-3) in their home opener. Niagara is a 17-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 153.5 points. Action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Friday, November 24, 2017.
Alabama A&M Bulldogs vs. Niagara Purple Eagles ATS Preview
The Bulldogs lost big to the No. 14 Minnesota Golden Gophers in their last outing, 100-57. Alabama A&Ms Andre Kennedy had a solid game, finishing with six points and nine rebounds. Minnesotas 10.5 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Alabama A&M, who had a mark of 23.1. The Golden Gophers mark was better than their season average of 11.5, while the Bulldogs was above the 15.8 mark opponents have averaged against Minnesota this season.
The last time the Purple Eagles played, they were blown out by the BYU Cougars, 95-88. Matt Scott was the top scorer from either team with 36 points on 13-for-24 shooting. BYU did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (28-37; 75.7 percent). Niagara, meanwhile, forced the Cougars into a turnover percentage of 16.2 (above the 13.1 mark opponents have averaged against Niagara this season).
Opposite paces will be on display in this meeting. Niagara ranks 67th in possessions per game (72.2) while Alabama A&M is 295th (67.2) since last season. ,
Since last season, the Bulldogs have had records of 2-31 straight up (SU) and 1-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has had a tendency to place the total low when Alabama A&M is involved since last season as 66.7 percent of their games have gone over the O/U total.
The Purple Eagles, meanwhile, have records of 11-26 SU and 15-20 ATS since last season. Games including Niagara have had a tendency to go over the projected point total over that same stretch (57.1 percent).
Alabama A&M Bulldogs vs. Niagara Purple Eagles ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Niagara, ATS Winner – Alabama A&M, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Purple Eagles rank 186th in three pointers attempted per game (20.6) while the Bulldogs rank 321st (15.8).
- Niagara ranks 217th in assists per game (12.7) while Alabama A&M ranks 294th (11.2).
- Niagara ranks 51st in blocks per game (4.5) while Alabama A&M ranks 291st (1.7).
- The Purple Eagles rank 76th in rebounds per game (37.7) while the Bulldogs rank 297th (32.3).
- Niagara ranks 77th in steals allowed per game (5.6) while Alabama A&M ranks 235th (7.2).
