The Liberty Flames (15-1, 1-0 Asun) will be at the Wellness and Events Center to go head-to-head with the NJIT Highlanders (3-10) in an Asun matchup. Action begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Liberty Flames vs. NJIT Highlanders Betting Odds
In their last game, the Highlanders lost big to the UConn Huskies, 69-47, while the Flames defeated the FGCU Eagles, 59-46.
The Flames forced 18 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.585 (above their season average of 0.565). NJIT, on the other hand, did an excellent job of converting from the free throw line (10-13; 76.9 percent). Souleymane Diakite had a good game for NJIT, finishing with 12 points, 11 rebounds and six blocks. Caleb Homesley fueled Liberty with 24 points and six rebounds.
The Flames dominated this series last year, taking both contests. In the most recent contest, Liberty won 57-51. Liberty had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.511 vs. 0.380). NJIT, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (21.2 vs. 12.0). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The inefficient offense of NJIT (298th in the country with an offensive efficiency of 94.9) will face off against the stingy defense of Liberty (10th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 84.9). The Flames figure to have the edge on that end of the court. The Flames should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 36th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.8 percent), while the Highlanders force the 79th-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 18.3 percent).
Liberty at NJIT Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Liberty, ATS Winner – Liberty, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Liberty ranks third in assists allowed per game (8.1) while NJIT ranks 187th (14.2).
- The Flames are 23rd in the nation with 5.2 steals allowed per game while the Highlanders are 29th with 5.3 steals allowed per game.
- The Flames rank seventh in rebounds allowed per game (29.4) while the Highlanders rank 185th (36.8).
- Liberty ranks 11th in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while NJIT ranks 146th (4.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Flames have scored an average of 64.6 points per game (5.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.4 points per game (6.7 above their season average).
- The Highlanders’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.0, down from 6.5 for the season.
