The Texas Southern Tigers (0-9) are off to a slow start and will try to pick up their first win when they challenge the No. 21 Baylor Bears (7-2) at Ferrell Center. Action starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 14, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN2.
Texas Southern Tigers at Baylor Bears Betting Preview
The last time the Tigers played, they lost to the Oregon Ducks, 74-68. Texas Southern’s Donte Clark had a solid game, leading both teams in scoring with 17 points on 5-for-13 shooting. Oregon had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.4 vs. 21.6). Texas Southern, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (11.8 vs. 14.9).
The Bears will look to maintain momentum after blowing out the Randall University Saints in their last matchup, 105-82. Baylor was lifted by Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. who put up 19 points and 16 rebounds. The Bears, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.7, had an absurd mark of 41.4 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.664 (above their season average of 0.523).
Baylor could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their productive offense faces off against one of the worst defenses in the nation.
The Bears rank 60th in offensive efficiency, while Texas Southern ranks 345th in defensive efficiency dating back to the 2016-17 season. It will also be a tale of two styles as the fast-paced Tigers rank 49th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Bears rank 336th.
Games including these teams have a tendency to finish under the O/U total. Texas Southern games have finished under 100.0 percent of the time, while Baylor games have gone under 75.0 percent of the time. The Bears have the significant advantage straight up (SU) (7-2 vs. 0-9), but both teams have similar against the spread (ATS) records. Baylor is 2-2, while Texas Southern is 2-0 ATS.
The Bears won the sole contest against the Tigers last season, 89-63. The Bears played a perfect game. They had an extraordinary effective field goal percentage of 0.661 and a turnover percentage of 10.9. The Tigers were 0.434 and 14.2, respectively, for those same stats.
Texas Southern Tigers vs. Baylor Bears Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Baylor, ATS Winner – Baylor, O/U – UnderBetting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Bears rank 39th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Tigers rank 167th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- Baylor ranks 32nd in steals allowed per game (5.1) while Texas Southern ranks 72nd (5.3).
- Baylor ranks 10th in rebounds allowed per game (29.6) while Texas Southern ranks 267th (38.6).
- The Bears rank 57th in assists per game (15.8) while the Tigers rank 245th in assists allowed per game (14.3).
- Baylor ranks 75th in three pointers allowed per game (20.2) while Texas Southern ranks 250th (19.3).
