The Bakersfield Roadrunners (10-5, 2-0 WAC) will be at UTRGV Fieldhouse to go head-to-head with the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (9-8, 1-0 WAC) in a WAC matchup. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 10, 2019.
Bakersfield Roadrunners at UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Vaqueros defeated the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions, 91-84, while the Roadrunners fell to the 20th-ranked TCU Horned Frogs, 66-61.
The Vaqueros had a much better turnover percentage (6.5 vs. 21.6) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.479 vs. 0.462). Bakersfield, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (13.5 vs. 17.4). UT Rio Grande Valley’s Terry Winn III had a good outing, finishing with 18 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Bakersfield received a boost from Jarkel Joiner, who put up 18 points.
The Vaqueros dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the most recent contest, UT Rio Grande Valley won 68-66. Getting to the charity stripe was one of UT Rio Grande Valley’s largest strengths. They had 27 free throw attempts, while Bakersfield had 16. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Lesley Varner II and Winn III have played well over the last five games for UT Rio Grande Valley. Varner II has averaged 0 points, while Winn III has put up 0 points a game during that span.
The aggressive UT Rio Grande Valley offense might be living from the charity stripe in this showdown. The Vaqueros currently rank 48th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.283, while Bakersfield ranks 349th in FTA rate allowed (0.376). Moreover, the Roadrunners could control the offensive glass in this matchup as they rank 12th in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 38.2 percent. The Vaqueros, meanwhile, rank 330th in defensive rebounding percentage (65.9 percent).
Bakersfield vs. UT Rio Grande Valley Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – UT Rio Grande Valley, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Bakersfield ranks 40th in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 256th (41.1).
- The Roadrunners rank 20th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Vaqueros rank 103rd (6.5).
- The Roadrunners rank seventh in blocks allowed per game (1.9) while the Vaqueros rank 132nd (4.1).
- Bakersfield ranks 149th in three pointers attempted per game (22.2) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 249th (18.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Vaqueros have outscored opponents by an average of 1.4 points in their last five games. For the season, UT Rio Grande Valley has lost by an average of 1.9 points.
- During their last five games, the Roadrunners have scored an average of 73.6 points per game (1.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.4 points per game (0.8 below their season average).
