The Utah Valley Wolverines (23-8, 12-4 WAC) will be in the Western Athletic Conference Tourney at Orleans Arena when they take on the UMKC Kangaroos (11-20, 6-10 WAC). Action begins at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 14, 2019.
UMKC Kangaroos vs. Utah Valley Wolverines ATS Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Wolverines defeated the Bakersfield Roadrunners 76-61, while the Kangaroos beat the Chicago State Cougars 76-61.
UMKC dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.9 (below their season average of 23.8) and a turnover percentage of 14.6 (better than their season average of 16.2). For those same stats, Chicago State had marks of 12.1 and 19.8, respectively. Meanwhile, Utah Valley’s 0.577 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Bakersfield, who had a rate of 0.420. The Wolverines’ mark was above their season average of 0.559, while the Roadrunners’ was below their season average of 0.487. Conner Toolson was a key piece for Utah Valley with 22 points. Meanwhile, UMKC was led by Jordan Giles, who finished with 17 points and nine rebounds.
Utah Valley could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their productive offense squares off against one of the worst defenses in the country. The Wolverines currently rank 51st in offensive efficiency, while UMKC ranks 266th in defensive efficiency. Moreover, the Kangaroos rank 320th in offensive rebounding percentage (23.6 percent), while the Wolverines rank 43rd in defensive rebounding percentage (75.2 percent).
UMKC Kangaroos vs. Utah Valley Wolverines ATS Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Utah Valley, ATS Winner – Utah Valley, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Utah Valley ranks 42nd in rebounds allowed per game (32.0) while UMKC ranks 216th (36.5).
- The Wolverines rank 101st in assists per game (14.1) while the Kangaroos rank 247th (11.2).
- UMKC ranks 50th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while Utah Valley ranks 184th (7.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Kangaroos’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.4, up from 3.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (0.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
