The UNC Asheville Bulldogs (6-5) will be at the Ross E. Templeton P.E. Center to challenge the Presbyterian Blue Hose (3-10) in a BigSou matchup. Action starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
UNC Asheville Bulldogs at Presbyterian Blue Hose Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Blue Hose had no trouble getting past the Kentucky Christian Knights, 81-56, while the Bulldogs lost to the Chattanooga Mocs, 68-64.
Presbyterian dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 31.3 (above their season average of 26.2) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.602 (above their season average of 0.460). For those same stats, Kentucky Christian had marks of 15.0 and 0.430, respectively. UNC Asheville, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (14.5 vs. 18.5). Michael Isler had a good outing for Presbyterian, putting up 11 points and six rebounds. DeVon Baker, meanwhile was a key piece for UNC Asheville with 13 points and six rebounds.
The Blue Hose dominated this series last year, winning all three games. In the last matchup, Presbyterian won 106-59. Presbyterian’s rebounding was their biggest strength. The Blue Hose had more offensive rebounds (14 vs. 9), defensive rebounds (31 vs. 16) and total rebounds (45 vs. 25). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Ball protection could play a significant role in this matchup. Presbyterian commits the 17th-fewest miscues in the nation (turnover percentage of 20.6 percent), while the pesky defense of UNC Asheville forces the fifth-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 26.9 percent). Moreover, the Bulldogs’ 45th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 111.0) will square off against the Blue Hose’s 304th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 108.9).
UNC Asheville vs. Presbyterian Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Presbyterian, ATS Winner – Presbyterian, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UNC Asheville ranks second in three pointers allowed per game (13.7) while Presbyterian ranks 220th (27.2).
- The Blue Hose rank 191st in rebounds per game (34.0) while the Bulldogs rank 234th (32.8).
- UNC Asheville is 42nd in the NCAA with 2.7 blocks allowed per game while Presbyterian is 57th with 3.5 blocks allowed per game.
- The Bulldogs rank 12th in steals per game (9.8) while the Blue Hose rank 147th (6.5).
- Presbyterian averages 12.0 assists per game, which ranks 72nd in the country. UNC Asheville ranks 150th in assists allowed per game (13.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 6.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Blue Hose have scored an average of 62.8 points per game (0.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.4 points per game (0.9 above their season average).
