The Utah Valley Wolverines (13-7, 2-3 WAC) will be at the Swinney Recreation Center to go head-to-head against the UMKC Kangaroos (7-12, 2-2 WAC) in a WAC matchup. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 24, 2019.
Utah Valley Wolverines at UMKC Kangaroos ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Kangaroos were blown out by the Grand Canyon Antelopes, 78-50, while the Wolverines were beaten by the New Mexico State Aggies, 83-78.
Utah Valley had an effective field goal percentage of 0.698 (above their season average of 0.556) while UMKC forced Grand Canyon into a turnover percentage of 25.0 (above their season average of 15.5). Xavier Bishop had a good outing for UMKC, putting up 11 points. Utah Valley was lifted by Jake Toolson, who had 26 points.
This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the most recent contest, the Kangaroos won 77-70. UMKC’s 0.644 effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Utah Valley, who had a rate of 0.518. This will be the first contest of the year between these two teams.
It could be a difficult game for UMKC on the offensive glass. The Kangaroos are among the nation’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 285th in offensive rebounding percentage at 25.6 percent. Meanwhile, Utah Valley ranks 80th in the country at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 74.2 percent. Furthermore, the Wolverines’ 18th-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.562) will battle against the Kangaroos’ 322nd-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.542).
Utah Valley at UMKC Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – UMKC, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UMKC averages 8.4 steals per game, which ranks 25th in the country. Utah Valley ranks 142nd in steals allowed per game (7.0).
- The Wolverines average 13.4 assists per game, which ranks 140th in the country. The Kangaroos rank 164th in assists allowed per game (13.8).
- The Wolverines rank 152nd in rebounds per game (35.4) while the Kangaroos rank 250th (31.5).
- Utah Valley ranks 38th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while UMKC ranks 93rd (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Kangaroos’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.2, up from 3.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 75.8 points per game (1.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.2 points per game (0.9 above their season average).
