The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (1-4) will be at home in Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum when they meet the UNCG Spartans (4-1). The games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 149 points with Wake Forest set as a 6-point favorite. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Friday, November 24, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
UNCG Spartans vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons ATS Preview
The Spartans won big over the Longwood Lancers in their last matchup, 71-40. Francis Alonso led UNCG in scoring with 16 points on 5-for-10 shooting. UNCG dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.8 (below their season average of 40.6) and a turnover percentage of 21.8 (worse than their season average of 19.7). For those same stats, Longwood put up marks of 9.4 and 33.9, respectively.
In the Demon Deacons last matchup, they were thoroughly outplayed by the Houston Cougars, 78-73. With 14 points, Wake Forests Brandon Childress played well. Houston forced the Demon Deacons into a turnover percentage of 19.4 (above their season average of 15.3). Wake Forest, meanwhile, did a great job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (24-28; 85.7 percent).
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball security could play a significant role in this matchup. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, Wake Forest has committed the 56th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of UNCG has forced the 37th-most (opponents turnover percentage of 21.6 percent). Furthermore, the Spartans rank 47th in effective field goal percentage (0.539), while the Demon Deacons rank 297th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.526).
Of UNCGs 2 games with betting action, one have finished over the projected point total, while 3 of Wake Forests 4 games have finished under the O/U total. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Spartans have a significant advantage. They are 4-1 SU and 2-0 ATS, while the Demon Deacons are 1-4 SU and 1-3 ATS.
The Demon Deacons won the sole contest against the Spartans last season, 78-75. One of Wake Forests largest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 25 trips to the line, while UNCG went 23 times.
UNCG Spartans vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Wake Forest, ATS Winner – Wake Forest, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Spartans rank 16th in rebounds allowed per game (31.3) while the Demon Deacons rank 101st (34.0).
- UNCG averages 4.0 blocks per game, which ranks 83rd in the NCAA. Wake Forest ranks 166th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- UNCG ranks 71st in three pointers attempted per game (23.7) while Wake Forest ranks 258th in three pointers allowed per game (23.2).
- The Spartans rank 47th in steals per game (7.4) while the Demon Deacons rank 220th (5.5).
- UNCG ranks 61st in assists allowed per game (11.8) while Wake Forest ranks 233rd (14.2).
