The USC Upstate Spartans (7-22, 2-10 Asun) can snap a 16-game road losing streak when they clash with the Jacksonville Dolphins (12-17, 6-6 Asun) at Swisher Gym. Action begins at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 17, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
USC Upstate Spartans vs. Jacksonville Dolphins Betting Preview
The last time the Spartans played, they fell to the North Florida Ospreys, 109-100. Deion Holmes had a solid game for USC Upstate, leading the team in scoring with 27 points on 12-for-20 shooting. North Florida made good use of their 26 trips to the charity stripe, making 21 of them (80.8 percent). USC Upstate, meanwhile, was just 6-8 (75.0 percent).
The Dolphins are trying to rebound after their 71-69 loss to the NJIT Highlanders in their last contest. With 19 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, Devin Harris had a solid performance for Jacksonville. NJIT did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (24-31; 77.4 percent). Jacksonville, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (13.2 vs. 14.7).
Ramel Thompkins has taken his game to another level over the last five games for USC Upstate, averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The Spartans won 91-85. USC Upstate’s effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Jacksonville. The Spartans had a rate of 0.659 while the Dolphins posted a mark of 0.578. Holmes scored a game-high 28 points.
USC Upstate Spartans vs. Jacksonville Dolphins Prediction
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Jacksonville, ATS Winner – Jacksonville, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Spartans rank 12th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Dolphins rank 138th (3.7).
- Jacksonville ranks 145th in rebounds per game (35.6) while USC Upstate ranks 266th in rebounds allowed per game (38.5).
- USC Upstate ranks seventh in three pointers attempted per game (29.5) while Jacksonville ranks 264th (18.3).
- The Spartans rank 19th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Dolphins rank 169th (6.9).
- Jacksonville ranks 134th in assists allowed per game (13.4) while USC Upstate ranks 266th (18.9).
Betting Trends:
- The Dolphins average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 14.6, up from 3.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 87.4 points per game (11.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 95.8 points per game (10.7 above their season average).
