The Chicago State Cougars (3-25, 0-13 WAC) welcome the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (16-14, 7-6 WAC) to Jones Convocation Center. The Cougars will attempt to snap their 17-game losing streak. Action starts at 8:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 28, 2019.
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. Chicago State Cougars Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Cougars were blown out by the Seattle Redhawks, 77-57, while the Vaqueros were beaten by the New Mexico State Aggies, 88-79.
UT Rio Grande Valley did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (24-32; 75.0 percent) while Chicago State held Seattle to an effective field goal percentage of 0.500 (below the 0.571 mark opponents have averaged against Chicago State this season). Delshon Strickland was a key piece for Chicago State with 17 points. Tyson Smith had a solid performance for UT Rio Grande Valley, putting up 18 points.
In their first matchup this year, Javon Levi led the Vaqueros to a 77-46 victory. He produced nine points, 12 assists and eight rebounds. The Vaqueros’ 15.5 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Cougars, who had a mark of 30.4.
It could be an error-filled game for the Chicago State offense. Chicago State ranks 331st in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 22.6 percent), while the gambling defense of UT Rio Grande Valley forces the most turnovers in the nation (25.6 percent).
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros at Chicago State Cougars Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Chicago State, ATS Winner – Chicago State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 18th in three pointers allowed per game (18.7) while Chicago State ranks 278th (27.0).
- The Vaqueros rank 241st in rebounds per game (33.4) while the Cougars rank 284th (31.5).
- The Vaqueros rank fourth in steals per game (9.7) while the Cougars rank 197th in steals allowed per game (7.5).
- UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 147th in assists per game (13.3) while Chicago State ranks 266th in assists allowed per game (17.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cougars’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 29.2, up from 23.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Vaqueros have scored an average of 73.2 points per game (3.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.6 points per game (0.3 above their season average).
