The Chicago State Cougars (3-18, 0-6 WAC) head to UTRGV Fieldhouse to square off with the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (10-12, 2-4 WAC). The Cougars look to put an end to their 10-game losing streak. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
Chicago State Cougars vs. UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Betting Odds
Both teams lost in their last matchup. The Vaqueros lost a winnable game to the New Mexico State Aggies, 63-61, while the Cougars lost to the Utah Valley Wolverines, 74-60.
Chicago State had an effective field goal percentage of 0.543 (above their season average of 0.455) while UT Rio Grande Valley forced New Mexico State into a turnover percentage of 20.6 (above their season average of 13.9). Javon Levi fueled UT Rio Grande Valley with 11 points and seven assists. Meanwhile, Chicago State was led by Anthony Harris, who had 17 points and six rebounds.
The Vaqueros dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent matchup, UT Rio Grande Valley won 83-75. One of UT Rio Grande Valley’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 34 trips to the line, while Chicago State went 24 times. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
The aggressive UT Rio Grande Valley offense might be getting to the free throw line a lot in this contest. The Vaqueros rank 25th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.288, while Chicago State ranks 202nd in FTA rate allowed (0.234). Also, the Cougars rank 326th in turnover percentage (22.6 percent), while the Vaqueros rank seventh in opponents’ turnover percentage (25.1 percent).
Chicago State Cougars vs. UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Betting Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – UT Rio Grande Valley, ATS Winner – UT Rio Grande Valley, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 18th in three pointers allowed per game (18.4) while Chicago State ranks 272nd (27.0).
- The Cougars rank 250th in rebounds allowed per game (38.1) while the Vaqueros rank 279th (40.7).
- UT Rio Grande Valley blocks 3.0 opponent shots per game, which ranks 123rd in the country. Chicago State ranks 124th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- The Vaqueros rank sixth in steals per game (9.6) while the Cougars rank 196th in steals allowed per game (8.0).
- UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 153rd in assists allowed per game (13.5) while Chicago State ranks 250th (16.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cougars’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 18.2, down from 20.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Vaqueros have scored an average of 64.6 points per game (3.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.2 points per game (0.3 below their season average).
