A seven-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Radford Highlanders (11-6, 3-0 BigSou) when they welcome the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs (11-6, 2-1 BigSou) to Dedmon Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs at Radford Highlanders Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Highlanders barely escaped the Presbyterian Blue Hose 79-77, while the Runnin’ Bulldogs defeated the USC Upstate Spartans 64-59.
Gardner-Webb dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.405 (above their season average of 0.270) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.560 (above their season average of 0.556). For those same stats, USC Upstate put up marks of 0.160 and 0.510, respectively. Meanwhile, Radford’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Presbyterian. The Highlanders had a rate of 0.362 (above their season average of 0.187), while the Blue Hose posted a mark of 0.250. Carlik Jones had a solid performance for Radford, finishing with 15 points, 11 assists and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Gardner-Webb was lifted by DJ Laster, who contributed 12 points and nine rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last matchup, the Highlanders won 70-66. Radford had a much better turnover percentage (19.8 vs. 26.3). Gardner-Webb, meanwhile, did a great job of making free throws (21-23; 91.3 percent). This will be the first meeting of the year between these two teams.
Gardner-Webb figures to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Runnin’ Bulldogs rank 35th in offensive efficiency, while Radford ranks 160th in defensive efficiency.
Gardner-Webb at Radford Odds Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Radford, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Radford averages 22.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 154th in the country. Gardner-Webb ranks 245th in three pointers allowed per game (26.9).
- The Runnin’ Bulldogs rank 57th in assists per game (15.4) while the Highlanders rank 73rd in assists allowed per game (12.1).
- The Runnin’ Bulldogs rank 33rd in steals per game (8.1) while the Highlanders rank 100th (6.6).
- Radford ranks 39th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Gardner-Webb ranks 77th (3.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Highlanders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.2, up from 5.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Runnin’ Bulldogs have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (3.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.6 points per game (7.3 below their season average).
