The Furman Paladins (21-5, 10-4 SoCon) welcome the VMI Keydets (7-18, 1-12 SoCon) to Timmons Arena. The Paladins are riding a five-game winning streak, while the Keydets have lost six consecutive games. Action gets underway at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 16, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN 3.
VMI Keydets vs. Furman Paladins ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Paladins beat the UNCG Spartans, 67-57, while the Keydets were beaten by the Wofford Terriers, 95-84.
Furman played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.172 (below their season average of 0.179) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.491 (below their season average of 0.561). For those same stats, UNCG was 0.113 and 0.403, respectively. VMI, on the other hand, had an effective field goal percentage of 0.653 (above their season average of 0.500). Furman received a boost from Matt Rafferty, who contributed 26 points, 10 rebounds and five steals. Bubba Parham, meanwhile played a key role for VMI with 30 points.
In their first matchup this season, Clay Mounce led the Paladins to an 89-57 victory. He recorded 16 points and six rebounds. The Paladins’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Keydets. Furman had a rate of 13.3, while VMI posted a mark of 22.1.
Furman could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their high-octane offense goes up against one of the worst defenses in the country. The Paladins currently rank 50th in offensive efficiency, while VMI ranks 314th in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Keydets rank 282nd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.203), while the Paladins rank third in opponents’ FTA rate (0.154).
VMI Keydets vs. Furman Paladins Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Furman, ATS Winner – VMI, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Furman averages 16.1 assists per game, which ranks 26th in the NCAA. VMI ranks 232nd in assists allowed per game (15.3).
- The Paladins rank eighth in steals per game (9.2) while the Keydets rank 133rd in steals allowed per game (6.6).
- Furman blocks 4.2 opponent shots per game, which ranks 56th in the nation. VMI ranks 134th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- The Paladins rank eighth in three pointers attempted per game (28.7) while the Keydets rank 209th in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
- Furman ranks 115th in rebounds allowed per game (34.1) while VMI ranks 267th (38.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Keydets’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.6, up from 5.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Paladins have scored an average of 73.4 points per game (4.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 57.4 points per game (8.0 below their season average).
