The Furman Paladins (4-2) will be at home in Timmons Arena when they square off with the Winthrop Eagles (3-3). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 29, 2017.
Winthrop Eagles at Furman Paladins Free Preview
The Eagles had no trouble getting past the South Carolina State Bulldogs in their last outing, 86-61. Josh Ferguson was the games high scorer with 21 points on 10-for-15 shooting. Winthrop dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.523 (below their season average of 0.570) and a turnover percentage of 17.5 (worse than their season average of 15.3). For those same stats, South Carolina State put up marks of 0.361 and 20.7, respectively.
In the Paladins last matchup, they defeated the Northeastern Huskies, 78-67. Furman received a boost from Devin Sibley, who was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 8-for-18 shooting. Furman played a nearly flawless game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 (above their season average of 32.3) and a turnover percentage of 12.6 (better than their season average of 15.3). For those same stats, Northeastern was 26.7 and 18.8, respectively.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, this appears to be a matchup of two heavyweights. Since the 2016-17 season, the Furman offense ranks 24th in the NCAA in that metric at 0.550, while the Winthrop defense ranks 26th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.462). It will also be a showdown of contrasting styles as the up-and-down Eagles rank 44th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Paladins rank 292nd.
The Eagles won the only contest against the Paladins last season, 58-57. Winthrops 0.148 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Furman, who had a mark of 0.098.
Winthrop Eagles vs. Furman Paladins Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Furman, ATS Winner – Furman, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Paladins rank 64th in steals per game (7.0) while the Eagles rank 153rd in steals allowed per game (6.2).
- Winthrop ranks 11th in assists allowed per game (10.3) while Furman ranks 77th (12.0).
- Winthrop ranks 32nd in blocks per game (4.9) while Furman ranks 279th (2.2).
- The Paladins rank 38th in rebounds allowed per game (32.3) while the Eagles rank 253rd (37.4).
- Winthrop averages 25.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 17th in the nation. Furman ranks 214th in three pointers allowed per game (22.4).
