UTEP Miners at FIU Panthers Free Prediction 01/02/20

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The UTEP Miners (9-4) will be at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center to square off against the FIU Panthers (9-4) in a CUSA matchup. The game begins at 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020.

UTEP Miners at FIU Panthers ATS Odds

Both teams fell in their last game. The Panthers lost big to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 89-62, while the Miners fell to the Boise State Broncos, 72-67.

UTEP had a better effective field goal percentage (0.500 vs. 0.483) while FIU held Minnesota to an effective field goal percentage of 0.448 (below their season average of 0.530). FIU rallied around Osasumwen Osaghae, who finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks. Jordan Lathon, meanwhile had a good game for UTEP, finishing with 10 points.

The Miners won the only game between these two teams last year, 85-75. The Miners’ 43.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Panthers, who had a rate of 25.0. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

This has potential to be a sloppy game for the offense of FIU. FIU ranks 292nd in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.3 percent), while the pesky defense of UTEP forces the 48th-most turnovers in the NCAA (23.2 percent). Also, the Miners, who rank 51st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.270), could earn plenty of trips to the line against the Panthers, who rank 277th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.253).

UTEP Miners at FIU Panthers Odds Pick

Basketball Pick: SU Winner – FIU, ATS Winner – FIU, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • FIU ranks 27th in three pointers attempted per game (27.3) while UTEP ranks 203rd (20.0).
  • The Panthers rank first in blocks per game (7.6) while the Miners rank 115th (3.0).
  • FIU ranks third in steals per game (10.5) while UTEP ranks 107th (6.8).
  • The Miners rank 108th in rebounds allowed per game (34.1) while the Panthers rank 266th (41.7).
  • FIU ranks 16th in assists per game (17.1) while UTEP ranks 145th (12.9).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Miners have been outscored by an average of 4.4 points in their last five games. For the season, UTEP has defeated opponents by an average of 5.9 points.
  • During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (1.0 above their season average).