The East Tennessee State Buccaneers (22-8, 12-5 SoCon) welcome the Western Carolina Catamounts (7-23, 4-13 SoCon) to Freedom Hall Civic Center as the regular season comes to an end. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019.
Western Carolina Catamounts at East Tennessee State Buccaneers ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Buccaneers lost a winnable game to the UNCG Spartans, 60-59, while the Catamounts fell to the VMI Keydets, 83-78.
Western Carolina had a better offensive rebounding percentage (28.6 vs. 24.4) while East Tennessee State had a free throw rate of 0.409 (above their season average of 0.195). East Tennessee State’s Jeromy Rodriguez had a good game, contributing 16 points and 17 rebounds. Meanwhile, Carlos Dotson played a pivotal role for Western Carolina with 27 points and 12 rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Mladen Armus led the Buccaneers to a 91-69 win. He registered a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds. The Buccaneers’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Catamounts. East Tennessee State had a rate of 12.3, while Western Carolina posted a mark of 27.0.
East Tennessee State could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their high-octane offense squares off against one of the worst defenses in the nation. The Buccaneers rank 26th in offensive efficiency, while Western Carolina ranks 338th in defensive efficiency.
Western Carolina vs. East Tennessee State Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – East Tennessee State, ATS Winner – East Tennessee State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- East Tennessee State ranks 53rd in steals per game (7.5) while Western Carolina ranks 234th (4.2).
- The Buccaneers rank 10th in rebounds per game (40.8) while the Catamounts rank 142nd (35.6).
- Western Carolina ranks 68th in three pointers attempted per game (25.1) while East Tennessee State ranks 177th in three pointers allowed per game (23.3).
- The Buccaneers rank 27th in assists per game (15.8) while the Catamounts rank 204th (12.2).
- East Tennessee State ranks 73rd in blocks per game (3.8) while Western Carolina ranks 225th (1.6).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Buccaneers have scored an average of 78.6 points per game (1.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.6 points per game (6.3 above their season average).
- The Catamounts’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.6, down from 8.0 for the season.
