The Central Arkansas Bears (11-17, 6-9 SthLnd) close out their home schedule at Farris Center against the Abilene Christian Wildcats (22-6, 11-4 SthLnd). The game starts at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019.
Abilene Christian Wildcats at Central Arkansas Bears ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Bears won big over the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks 92-74, while the Wildcats beat the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders 73-64.
The Wildcats had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.389 (above their season average of 0.243) and had a turnover percentage of 9.4 (better than their season average of 16.2). Meanwhile, Central Arkansas’ 0.455 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Stephen F. Austin, who had a rate of 0.269. The Bears’ mark was above their season average of 0.241. Central Arkansas received a boost from DeAndre Jones, who had 19 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Jaren Lewis fueled Abilene Christian with 16 points, nine rebounds and six steals.
In their first matchup this season, B.J. Maxwell led the Wildcats to a 79-56 win. He put up 16 points and six rebounds. The Wildcats’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Bears. Abilene Christian had a rate of 14.5, while Central Arkansas posted a mark of 24.0.
The inefficient offense of Central Arkansas (301st in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 99.2) will face off against the elite defense of Abilene Christian (23rd in the country with a defensive efficiency of 94.8). The Wildcats should have the edge on that end of the court.
Abilene Christian Wildcats vs. Central Arkansas Bears Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Central Arkansas, ATS Winner – Central Arkansas, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Abilene Christian ranks 27th in rebounds allowed per game (31.5) while Central Arkansas ranks 266th (38.3).
- The Wildcats rank 15th in steals per game (8.7) while the Bears rank 143rd (6.1).
- Abilene Christian is 35th in the nation with 2.6 blocks allowed per game while Central Arkansas is 45th with 2.7 blocks allowed per game.
- The Wildcats rank 18th in assists allowed per game (10.4) while the Bears rank 222nd (15.1).
- Abilene Christian ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (16.9) while Central Arkansas ranks 201st (23.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.2, down from 10.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 72.4 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 81.4 points per game (4.7 above their season average).
