The UNCG Spartans (5-3) will be at home in Greensboro Coliseum when they square off with the Elon Phoenix (6-3). The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 141.5 points with UNCG set as a 4.5-point favorite. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 7, 2017.
Elon Phoenix vs. UNCG Spartans Betting Preview
In the Phoenix’s last contest, they beat the Saint Peter’s Peacocks, 71-65. Tyler Seibring was the games high scorer with 23 points on 8-for-17 shooting. Elon played a nearly perfect game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.281 (above their season average of 0.165) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.414 (below their season average of 0.544). Saint Peter’s was 0.133 and 0.367, respectively, for those same stats.
The Spartans will look to keep it rolling after edging the Liberty Flames in their last game, 76-75. With 36 points on 10-for-31 shooting, Francis Alonso was the top scorer from either team. UNCG played a nearly flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.4 (below their season average of 37.6) and a turnover percentage of 15.8 (better than their season average of 19.2). For those same stats, Liberty had marks of 19.0 and 21.5, respectively.
UNCG could have difficulty getting to the free throw line in this meeting. Since last season, the Spartans rank 310th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.206, while Elon ranks fourth in FTA rate allowed (0.163). Additionally, the Phoenix have committed the 46th-fewest errors in the nation (turnover percentage of 16.6 percent), while the gambling defense of the Spartans has caused the 46th-most (opponents turnover percentage of 21.7 percent).
Games involving these teams have typically finished over the O/U total. Elon games have gone over 83.3 percent of the time, while UNCG games have finished over 66.7 percent of the time. Both teams have solid straight up (SU) records (6-3 for Elon; 5-3 for UNCG), but the Spartans have the advantage against the spread (ATS). UNCG is 3-0 ATS, while the Phoenix are 1-5.
Elon Phoenix vs. UNCG Spartans Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – UNCG, ATS Winner – UNCG, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Spartans rank 95th in blocks per game (3.8) while the Phoenix rank 244th (2.3).
- Elon ranks 42nd in assists allowed per game (11.4) while UNCG ranks 67th (11.8).
- UNCG ranks 26th in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while Elon ranks 271st (38.0).
- The Spartans rank 69th in three pointers attempted per game (24.1) while the Phoenix rank 297th in three pointers allowed per game (26.0).
- UNCG ranks 45th in steals per game (7.4) while Elon ranks 256th (5.0).
