The SMU Mustangs (1-0) will be at home in Moody Coliseum when they meet the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (0-1). SMU is a 19.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 140.5 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 12, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks at SMU Mustangs Betting Preview
In the Warhawks’ last outing, they were beaten by the TCU Horned Frogs, 83-73. Louisiana-Monroe’s Sam McDaniel had a solid performance, leading both teams in scoring with 21 points on 7-for-14 shooting. TCU had a much better free throw rate (0.279 vs. 0.101). Louisiana-Monroe, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (15.0 vs. 15.1).
The Mustangs come in on a high note after defeating the UMBC Retrievers in their last outing, 78-67. With 28 points on 7-for-18 shooting, Malik Milton was the top scorer from either team. SMU played a flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.553 and a turnover percentage of 15.0. For those same stats, UMBC was 0.340 and 18.8, respectively.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams square off. SMU ranks 348th in possessions per game (62.9) and Louisiana-Monroe is 269th (67.6) since the 2016-17 season. Additionally, the Warhawks’ 306th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 98.8) will face a tough test against the Mustangs’ 17th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 95.1).
The Warhawks have had a solid record against the spread since last season (15-12), despite being 9-25 straight up (SU). Louisiana-Monroe games have finished under the O/U total 59.3 percent of the time since last season.
The Mustangs, meanwhile, have records of 31-4 SU and 22-7-1 ATS since last season. SMU’s games have had a tendency to finish over the O/U total over that same stretch (50.0 percent).
Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks vs. SMU Mustangs ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – SMU, ATS Winner – SMU, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Mustangs rank 26th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Warhawks rank 146th (6.1).
- SMU ranks 136th in blocks per game (3.4) while Louisiana-Monroe ranks 248th (2.1).
- Louisiana-Monroe ranks 118th in three pointers allowed per game (20.3) while SMU ranks 302nd (25.1).
- The Mustangs rank fourth in rebounds allowed per game (29.5) while the Warhawks rank 172nd (35.2).
- SMU ranks 27th in assists per game (16.1) while Louisiana-Monroe ranks 161st (13.6).
