The Chicago State Cougars (2-27, 0-12 WAC) and the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (14-15, 5-7 WAC) clash at UTRGV Fieldhouse. The Cougars will attempt to put an end to their 23-game losing streak. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
Chicago State Cougars at UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Odds Preview
In the Cougars last outing, they were beaten by the New Mexico State Aggies, 78-67. With 30 points on 10-for-17 shooting, Fred Sims Jr. was the games leading scorer. New Mexico State had a free throw rate of 0.194 (above their season average of 0.174). Chicago State, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (15.6 vs. 15.7).
The Vaqueros are trying to rebound after their 83-59 loss to the UMKC Kangaroos in their last outing. Nick Dixon was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 5-for-9 shooting. UMKC held the Vaqueros to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.4 (below their season average of 29.1). UT Rio Grande Valley, meanwhile, did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (23-29; 79.3 percent).
There should be a fair amount of transition offense in this matchup that features a pair of the nations more up-and-down teams. UT Rio Grande Valley currently ranks 11th in possessions per game (75.9) and Chicago State is 51st (72.5).
These teams have already met once this season. The Vaqueros won 87-81. The Vaqueros played a nearly perfect game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 34.4 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.541. The Cougars put up marks of 28.1 and 0.526, respectively, for those same stats. Dixon was the games leading scorer with 30 points.
Chicago State Cougars vs. UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Odds Prediction
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Chicago State, ATS Winner – Chicago State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Vaqueros rank 109th in blocks per game (3.4) while the Cougars rank 192nd in blocks allowed per game (4.8).
- UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 209th in three pointers attempted per game (20.3) while Chicago State ranks 284th (17.0).
- UT Rio Grande Valley averages 15.4 assists per game, which ranks 58th in the nation. Chicago State ranks 270th in assists allowed per game (18.5).
- The Vaqueros average 37.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 67th in the NCAA. The Cougars rank 276th in rebounds allowed per game (38.7).
- UT Rio Grande Valley averages 7.7 steals per game, which ranks 28th in the NCAA. Chicago State ranks 135th in steals allowed per game (6.5).
Betting Trends:
- The Vaqueros average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.8, up from 2.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 65.4 points per game (1.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 86.2 points per game (0.2 above their season average).
