The Western Carolina Catamounts (6-17, 3-7 SoCon) will be at the Pete Hanna Center to clash against the Samford Bulldogs (13-10, 3-7 SoCon) in a SoCon matchup. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
Western Carolina Catamounts at Samford Bulldogs Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Bulldogs were beaten by the East Tennessee State Buccaneers, 74-66, while the Catamounts beat the Chattanooga Mocs, 105-96.
Western Carolina played a nearly flawless game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.431 (above their season average of 0.235) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.690 (above their season average of 0.543). Chattanooga was 0.299 and 0.567, respectively, for those same stats. Samford, on the other hand, had a free throw rate of 0.269 (above their season average of 0.254). Ruben Guerrero had a solid game for Samford with 17 points, 10 rebounds and eight blocks. Marcus Thomas, meanwhile played well for Western Carolina, putting up 32 points and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Carlos Dotson led the Catamounts to a 76-69 win. He recorded a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds. The Catamounts’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Bulldogs. Western Carolina had a rate of 29.2, while Samford posted a mark of 21.2.
The elite offense of Samford (52nd in the NCAA with an effective field goal percentage 0.546) will face off against the bottom-tier defense of Western Carolina (312th in effective field goal percentage allowed 0.537). The Bulldogs should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Western Carolina Catamounts vs. Samford Bulldogs Betting Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Western Carolina, ATS Winner – Western Carolina, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Western Carolina ranks 29th in rebounds allowed per game (31.5) while Samford ranks 189th (36.1).
- The Bulldogs rank 42nd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Catamounts rank 151st (4.0).
- Samford ranks 103rd in assists per game (14.1) while Western Carolina ranks 114th in assists allowed per game (12.9).
- The Catamounts average 24.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 88th in the nation. The Bulldogs rank 236th in three pointers allowed per game (25.9).
- Samford ranks 83rd in steals per game (6.9) while Western Carolina ranks 225th (4.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Catamounts’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 8.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 82.8 points per game (7.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 84.8 points per game (13.8 above their season average).
