McNeese State Cowboys vs. Central Arkansas Bears ATS Prediction 01/04/20

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The Central Arkansas Bears (3-11, 2-1 SthLnd) welcome the McNeese State Cowboys (5-8, 0-2 SthLnd) to Farris Center. The Cowboys look to end a six-game road losing streak. Action starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.

McNeese State Cowboys at Central Arkansas Bears Betting Odds

Both teams lost in their last matchup. The Bears were beaten by the Houston Baptist Huskies, 111-107, while the Cowboys lost big to the Sam Houston State Bearkats, 94-75.

McNeese State did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (18-23; 78.3 percent) while Central Arkansas held Houston Baptist to an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.7 (below their season average of 29.1). Hayden Koval fueled Central Arkansas with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Sha’markus Kennedy led the way for McNeese State, contributing 18 points and 14 rebounds.

The Cowboys won the sole game between these two teams last season, 83-75. McNeese State’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Central Arkansas. The Cowboys had a rate of 0.191, while the Bears posted a mark of 0.081. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.

McNeese State could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their prolific offense goes up against one of the worst defenses in the nation. The Cowboys currently rank 22nd in offensive efficiency while Central Arkansas ranks 340th in defensive efficiency.

McNeese State Cowboys vs. Central Arkansas Bears Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Central Arkansas, ATS Winner – Central Arkansas, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • McNeese State ranks 41st in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while Central Arkansas ranks 260th (42.4).
  • The Cowboys average 7.4 steals per game, which ranks 77th in the country. The Bears rank 181st in steals allowed per game (9.3).
  • McNeese State averages 4.5 blocks per game, which ranks 42nd in the country. Central Arkansas ranks 123rd in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
  • The Cowboys rank 25th in assists per game (16.5) while the Bears rank 238th in assists allowed per game (17.6).
  • Central Arkansas ranks 96th in three pointers attempted per game (23.9) while McNeese State ranks 222nd in three pointers allowed per game (25.2).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (6.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 91.6 points per game (1.7 above their season average).
  • The Cowboys’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.0, up from 8.9 for the season.