The UNCG Spartans (23-5, 12-3 SoCon) close out their home schedule at Greensboro Coliseum against the East Tennessee State Buccaneers (22-7, 12-4 SoCon). Action starts at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 24, 2019.
East Tennessee State Buccaneers at UNCG Spartans Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Spartans barely escaped the Western Carolina Catamounts 79-76, while the Buccaneers dismantled the VMI Keydets 94-70.
The Buccaneers held the Keydets to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.7 (below their season average of 24.3) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.683 (above their season average of 0.549). The Spartans, meanwhile, held the Catamounts to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.5 (below their season average of 29.8) and had a free throw rate of 0.344 (above their season average of 0.204). Isaiah Miller played well for UNCG, contributing 17 points, eight rebounds and six steals. Meanwhile, Bo Hodges played a key role for East Tennessee State with 26 points and 12 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, James Dickey led the Spartans to a 75-68 win. He recorded 10 points and nine rebounds. The Spartans’ 17.5 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Buccaneers, who had a mark of 20.5.
Points could be at a premium in this battle between two of the NCAA’s top defenses. UNCG ranks 47th in defensive efficiency (96.4) and East Tennessee State is 58th (97.1). It could also be a mistake-prone game for the offense of the Buccaneers, which ranks 273rd in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.2 percent). They’ll be going up against the top-notch defense of the Spartans, which forces the fifth-most turnovers in the nation (24.8 percent).
East Tennessee State vs. UNCG Betting Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – UNCG, ATS Winner – UNCG, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- East Tennessee State ranks 10th in rebounds per game (41.0) while UNCG ranks 189th (34.6).
- The Spartans average 4.0 blocks per game, which ranks 66th in the country. The Buccaneers rank 138th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
- UNCG averages 22.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 139th in the NCAA. East Tennessee State ranks 201st in three pointers allowed per game (23.4).
- The Buccaneers rank 22nd in assists per game (16.2) while the Spartans rank 166th (13.0).
- UNCG ranks 10th in steals per game (8.9) while East Tennessee State ranks 144th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Spartans have been outscored by an average of 2.8 points in their last five games. On the season, UNCG has defeated opponents by an average of 9.5 points.
- During their last five games, the Buccaneers have scored an average of 82.0 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.2 points per game (9.6 above their season average).
