The Western Carolina Catamounts (15-8, 7-5 SoCon) and their great offense visit UNCG to take on the Spartans (19-6, 9-3 SoCon) and their superb defense. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.
Western Carolina Catamounts at UNCG Spartans Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Spartans won big over the Samford Bulldogs, 95-67, while the Catamounts were beaten by the Furman Paladins, 82-73.
UNCG played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 10.9 (better than their season average of 14.2) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 48.0 (above their season average of 33.9). Samford was 27.4 and 25.0, respectively, for those same stats. Western Carolina, on the other hand, held Furman to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.0 (below the 25.7 mark opponents have averaged against Western Carolina this season). UNCG’s James Dickey had a good game, putting up 13 points and 16 rebounds. Western Carolina, meanwhile, was lifted by Onno Steger, who finished with 24 points.
In their first matchup this year, Isaiah Miller led the Spartans to a 72-58 victory. He scored a game-high 23 points. The Spartans’ 8.5 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Catamounts, who had a mark of 22.6.
UNCG could put on a ball-control clinic in this showdown. UNCG ranks 40th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.7 percent), while Western Carolina forces the 45th-fewest turnovers (17.2 percent). Furthermore, the Catamounts’ 44th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 109.8) will battle against the Spartans’ eighth-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 88.7).
Western Carolina vs. UNCG Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – UNCG, ATS Winner – UNCG, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UNCG ranks sixth in steals per game (10.0) while Western Carolina ranks 223rd (5.2).
- The Spartans rank 20th in assists allowed per game (10.0) while the Catamounts rank 99th (11.9).
- Western Carolina averages 38.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 60th in the nation. UNCG ranks 93rd in rebounds allowed per game (33.6).
- The Spartans average 27.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 21st in the country. The Catamounts rank 221st in three pointers allowed per game (23.9).
- UNCG ranks 29th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Western Carolina ranks 110th (3.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.4, down from 13.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Catamounts have scored an average of 70.8 points per game (8.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.4 points per game (2.7 below their season average).
