The Santa Clara Broncos (1-4) and the Sam Houston State Bearkats (2-3) battle in the Great Alaska Shootout at Alaska Airlines Center. Action begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 25, 2017.
Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. Santa Clara Broncos ATS Preview
In the Bearkats last matchup, they lost to the Charleston Cougars, 59-49. With 11 points on 5-for-10 shooting, Christopher Galbreath Jr. was Sam Houston States leading scorer. Charleston had a much better free throw rate (0.241 vs. 0.069). Sam Houston State, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.1 (above their season average of 29.9).
The Broncos are trying to rebound after their 76-73 loss to the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves in their last game. Henry Caruso led Santa Clara in scoring with 18 points on 4-for-6 shooting. Alaska-Anchorage had an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.3 (above their season average of 20.0). Santa Clara, meanwhile, did an excellent job of converting from the free throw line (19-23; 82.6 percent).
Based on each teams statistical profile, ball protection could play a key role in this matchup. Since the 2016-17 season, Santa Clara has committed the 18th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.0 percent), while the gambling defense of Sam Houston State has forced the 18th-most (opponents turnover percentage of 22.7 percent).
Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. Santa Clara Broncos Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Santa Clara, ATS Winner – Santa Clara, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Bearkats rank 70th in assists per game (15.2) while the Broncos rank 159th in assists allowed per game (13.2).
- Sam Houston State ranks 222nd in blocks per game (2.7) while Santa Clara ranks 282nd (1.9).
- Sam Houston State ranks 68th in rebounds per game (37.9) while Santa Clara ranks 313th (29.8).
- The Bearkats rank 75th in steals per game (6.9) while the Broncos rank 267th (5.0).
- Santa Clara ranks 49th in three pointers attempted per game (24.5) while Sam Houston State ranks 192nd (20.5).
