The Western Carolina Catamounts (17-10, 9-7 SoCon) wrap up their home schedule at Ramsey Center against the Samford Bulldogs (9-21, 3-13 SoCon). The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 26, 2020.
Samford Bulldogs at Western Carolina Catamounts ATS Odds
In their last game, the Catamounts were victorious over the Citadel Bulldogs, 96-84, while the Bulldogs lost to the East Tennessee State Buccaneers, 80-74.
Western Carolina dominated nearly every stat category in the contest. They had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 30.6 (above their season average of 29.3) and a turnover percentage of 9.4 (better than their season average of 17.7). Citadel was 16.1 and 17.6, respectively, for those same stats. Samford, on the other hand, made 12 of their 20 three pointers (60.0 percent). Western Carolina’s Carlos Dotson had a good outing, recording 23 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Robert Allen was a key piece for Samford with 25 points, six rebounds and five blocks.
In their first matchup this year, Dotson led the Catamounts to a 78-70 victory. He registered a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Western Carolina had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.525 vs. 0.365). Samford, on the other hand, did a terrific job of getting and making free throws (24-26; 92.3 percent).
The Bulldogs’ Allen has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 17 points,7.6 rebounds,1.6 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Dotson has averaged 19 points,12.4 rebounds during that same time frame for the Catamounts.
Western Carolina could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their prolific offense squares off against one of the NCAA’s worst defenses. The Catamounts rank 42nd in offensive efficiency, while Samford ranks 331st in defensive efficiency.
Samford at Western Carolina Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Western Carolina, ATS Winner – Western Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Western Carolina averages 26.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 31st in the nation. Samford ranks 297th in three pointers allowed per game (29.3).
- The Bulldogs rank 106th in blocks per game (3.3) while the Catamounts rank 233rd (1.7).
- Samford ranks 97th in steals per game (6.8) while Western Carolina ranks 144th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
- The Catamounts rank 71st in assists per game (14.3) while the Bulldogs rank 267th in assists allowed per game (18.4).
- Western Carolina ranks 63rd in rebounds per game (37.9) while Samford ranks 255th in rebounds allowed per game (38.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 70.4 points per game (3.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 85.8 points per game (4.9 above their season average).
- The Catamounts have been outscored by an average of 2.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Western Carolina has defeated opponents by an average of 3.9 points.
