The Fresno State Bulldogs (2-1) and the Evansville Aces (4-0) face off in the Cancun Challenge – Riviera Division at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. Fresno State is a 5.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 140.5 points. Action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 21, 2017, and it can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
Evansville Aces vs. Fresno State Bulldogs Odds Preview
In the Aces last matchup, they were victorious over the Binghamton Bearcats, 66-61. Ryan Taylor was the games leading scorer with 27 points on 10-for-22 shooting. Evansville played a nearly flawless game. They had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 34.4 (above their season average of 21.3) and a turnover percentage of 18.6 (worse than their season average of 16.5). Binghamton recorded marks of 22.6 and 23.8, respectively, for those same stats.
The Bulldogs are trying to rebound after their 83-75 loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks in their last contest. Bryson Williams was Fresno States high scorer with 22 points on 11-for-15 shooting. Arkansas had a much better free throw rate (0.446 vs. 0.213). Fresno State, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 24.3).
Fresno State should have the advantage on the defensive side of the ball. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Bulldogs rank 91st in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.484), while Evansville is 249th in effective field goal percentage (0.493). Additionally, the Aces have been among the NCAAs elite at getting to the line, ranking fourth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.324). The Bulldogs, meanhwile, rank 333rd in opponents FTA rate (0.318).
The Aces have had records of 20-17 straight up (SU) and 15-16 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Just over half of Evansville games have finished over the projected point total since last season.
On the other hand, the Bulldogs, have records of 22-13 SU and 19-10-1 ATS since last season. Over that same time frame, games featuring Fresno State have finished under the O/U total 56.7 percent of the time.
Evansville Aces vs. Fresno State Bulldogs Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Fresno State, ATS Winner – Fresno State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Bulldogs rank 278th in three pointers attempted per game (18.1) while the Aces rank 325th (11.1).
- Fresno State ranks 13th in steals per game (8.4) while Evansville ranks 225th (5.4).
- The Bulldogs rank 90th in blocks per game (3.9) while the Aces rank 261st in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
- Fresno State ranks 178th in rebounds per game (35.5) while Evansville ranks 250th (33.9).
