The Hofstra Pride (3-1) and the Auburn Tigers (2-1) face off in the Charleston Classic at TD Arena. Auburn is a 7.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 160.5 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 19, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
Auburn Tigers vs. Hofstra Pride Betting Preview
The last time the Tigers played, they lost to the Temple Owls, 88-74. Anfernee McLemore had a solid performance for Auburn, leading the team in scoring with 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting. Temple did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (18-22; 81.8 percent). Auburn, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (38.0 vs. 26.5).
The Pride are hoping for a better outcome after their 78-59 loss to the Clemson Tigers in their last matchup. With 10 points and 10 rebounds, Hofstras Rokas Gustys had a good game. Clemson did a great job of converting from the free throw line (10-12; 83.3 percent). Hofstra, on the other hand, held the Tigers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.8 (below the 32.8 mark opponents have averaged against Hofstra this season).
The prolific offense of Hofstra will face off against the mid-tier defense of Auburn. Since the 2016-17 season, the Pride rank 55th in offensive efficiency, while the Tigers are 231st in defensive efficiency. The Pride should have the edge on that side of the ball. Moreover, the Tigers have been among the nations elite at getting to the line, ranking 53rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.286). The Pride, meanwhile, rank 38th in opponents FTA rate (0.198).
The Tigers have had records of 20-15 straight up (SU) and 17-15 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Since last season, games featuring Auburn have had a tendency to go over the projected point total (56.3 percent).
The Pride have had a respectable 18-18 SU record since last season, but are just 12-17-1 ATS. Vegas has also been spot on when predicting totals of Hofstra games over that same time frame with an even split between overs and unders.
Auburn Tigers vs. Hofstra Pride Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Auburn, ATS Winner – Hofstra, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Pride rank 119th in rebounds per game (36.7) while the Tigers rank 289th in rebounds allowed per game (38.7).
- Auburn averages 13.4 assists per game, which ranks 172nd in the nation. Hofstra ranks 243rd in assists allowed per game (14.7).
- Auburn ranks 46th in steals per game (7.4) while Hofstra ranks 283rd (4.1).
- The Pride average 24.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 54th in the nation. The Tigers rank 281st in three pointers allowed per game (24.1).
- Auburn ranks 14th in blocks per game (5.3) while Hofstra ranks 232nd (2.5).
