The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders (4-2) will travel to UTRGV Fieldhouse to go head-to-head against the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (4-3). Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, November 26, 2018.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders at UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Betting Odds
Both teams edged out their last opponent. The Vaqueros defeated the Lamar Cardinals 77-75, while the Islanders beat the St. Mary’s (TX) Rattlers 61-58.
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.196 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 9.8 (better than their season average of 15.1). For those same stats, St. Mary’s (TX) was 0.053 and 15.8, respectively. UT Rio Grande Valley, on the other hand, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.316 (above their season average of 0.300) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.518 (above their season average of 0.408). Lamar put up marks of 0.215 and 0.469, respectively, for those same stats. UT Rio Grande Valley was led by Lesley Varner II, who recorded 21 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Kareem South played a key role for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi with 15 points.
In their first matchup this year, Varner II led the Vaqueros to a 76-69 win. He put up 21 points and 7 rebounds. UT Rio Grande Valley had a much better turnover percentage (8.8 vs. 16.0). Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, on the other hand, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.491 vs. 0.460).
The aggressive UT Rio Grande Valley offense looks poised to dominate from the charity stripe. The Vaqueros rank 16th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.300, while Texas A&M-Corpus Christi ranks 319th in FTA rate allowed (0.287) since the 2017-18 season. It could also be a sloppy game for the offense of the Islanders, which ranks 343rd in ball security (turnover percentage of 21.8 percent). They’ll be going up against the stingy defense of the Vaqueros, which has forced the 54th-most turnovers in the NCAA (21.2 percent).
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders at UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – UT Rio Grande Valley, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- UT Rio Grande Valley averages 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 21st in the NCAA. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi ranks 262nd in steals allowed per game (7.1).
- The Vaqueros rank 42nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.5) while the Islanders rank 210th (22.7).
- Texas A&M-Corpus Christi ranks 171st in blocks per game (3.1) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 221st in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- The Islanders rank 95th in rebounds allowed per game (33.7) while the Vaqueros rank 324th (41.0).
- UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 87th in assists per game (14.7) while Texas A&M-Corpus Christi ranks 286th (11.4).
