The Sacred Heart Pioneers (10-8, 3-2 NEC) will be at the UPMC Events Center to take on the Robert Morris Colonials (8-10, 4-1 NEC) in a NEC matchup. The game starts at 5 p.m. ET on Monday, January 20, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Sacred Heart Pioneers vs. Robert Morris Colonials Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last contest. The Colonials fell to the Merrimack Warriors, 53-49, while the Pioneers were defeated by the Saint Francis U Red Flash, 72-65.
Sacred Heart made eight of their 21 three pointers (38.1 percent) while Robert Morris held Merrimack to an offensive rebounding percentage of 11.5 (below their season average of 23.9). AJ Bramah had a good game for Robert Morris, contributing 16 points. E.J. Anosike played a key role for Sacred Heart with 13 points and 12 rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Pioneers won the last matchup 87-63. One of Sacred Heart’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 11-12 (91.7 percent), while the Colonials were just 6-9 (66.7 percent). This will be the first contest of the year between these two teams.
Robert Morris could have difficulty getting to the free throw line in this meeting. The Colonials currently rank 348th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.151, while Sacred Heart ranks 24th in FTA rate allowed (0.159). Ball protection could be troublesome for the Pioneers. They rank 265th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 20.6 percent), while the Colonials force the 54th-most turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.5 percent).
Sacred Heart at Robert Morris Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Robert Morris, ATS Winner – Robert Morris, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Robert Morris averages 16.7 assists per game, which ranks 11th in the nation. Sacred Heart ranks 231st in assists allowed per game (15.7).
- The Pioneers average 3.7 blocks per game, which ranks 75th in the NCAA. The Colonials rank 137th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- Robert Morris ranks 121st in steals per game (6.5) while Sacred Heart ranks 160th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
- The Pioneers rank 11th in rebounds per game (41.4) while the Colonials rank 224th (33.7).
- Robert Morris averages 24.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 84th in the country. Sacred Heart ranks 165th in three pointers allowed per game (22.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Colonials have scored an average of 75.8 points per game (5.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 60.6 points per game (8.2 below their season average).
- The Pioneers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.0, down from 3.5 for the season.
