The South Alabama Jaguars (12-8, 5-4 SBC) will be at First National Bank Arena to take on the Arkansas State Red Wolves (13-7, 5-4 SBC) in a SBC matchup. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 23, 2020.
South Alabama Jaguars at Arkansas State Red Wolves ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Red Wolves defeated the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 80-75, while the Jaguars beat the Georgia Southern Eagles 74-68.
South Alabama dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.446 (above their season average of 0.291) and a turnover percentage of 9.3 (better than their season average of 16.4). For those same stats, Georgia Southern recorded marks of 0.164 and 18.4, respectively. Meanwhile, Arkansas State’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Coastal Carolina. The Red Wolves had a rate of 0.538 (above their season average of 0.329), while the Chanticleers posted a mark of 0.254. Arkansas State was led by Marquis Eaton, who recorded 20 points. Josh Ajayi, meanwhile fueled South Alabama with 24 points and eight rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Ajayi led the Jaguars to a 75-59 win. He notched a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. One of South Alabama’s biggest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They had 35 free throw attempts, while Arkansas State had just 13.
The Jaguars’ Ajayi has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 15 points,10.0 rebounds,1.2 steals per game. Meanwhile, Eaton has averaged 16 points,1.8 steals during that same time frame for the Red Wolves.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the country’s slowest-paced teams clash. Arkansas State ranks 273rd in possessions per game (67.8) and South Alabama is 296th (67.0). Moreover, the Jaguars rank 10th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.299), while the Red Wolves rank 306th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.275).
South Alabama Jaguars vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Arkansas State, ATS Winner – Arkansas State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Arkansas State ranks 46th in three pointers allowed per game (18.9) while South Alabama ranks 223rd (24.3).
- The Red Wolves rank 86th in assists per game (13.9) while the Jaguars rank 137th in assists allowed per game (12.8).
- South Alabama ranks 243rd in rebounds per game (33.2) while Arkansas State ranks 248th (33.0).
- The Red Wolves rank first in blocks allowed per game (1.8) while the Jaguars rank 114th (3.6).
- South Alabama ranks 41st in steals allowed per game (5.5) while Arkansas State ranks 94th (6.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Red Wolves’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.6, up from 0.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Jaguars have scored an average of 66.0 points per game (5.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.2 points per game (8.3 below their season average).
