The UMKC Kangaroos (10-19, 5-9 WAC) close out their home schedule at Swinney Recreation Center against the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (17-14, 8-6 WAC). The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019.
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros at UMKC Kangaroos Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Kangaroos got blown out by the New Mexico State Aggies, 75-55, while the Vaqueros beat the Chicago State Cougars, 82-77.
The Vaqueros forced 16 turnovers and held the Cougars to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.0 (below the 34.0 mark opponents have averaged against UT Rio Grande Valley this season). UMKC, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of making free throws (8-11; 72.7 percent). Xavier Bishop played well for UMKC, contributing 15 points. Javon Levi fueled UT Rio Grande Valley with 11 points and 10 assists.
In their first matchup this year, Levi led the Vaqueros to a 75-63 victory. He put up eight points, 12 assists and five steals. One of UT Rio Grande Valley’s largest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They made 27 trips to the line, while UMKC went 16 times.
UMKC might struggle to put up points as they face off against one of the country’s best defenses. UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 68th in defensive efficiency, while the Kangaroos rank 258th in offensive efficiency. Additionally, the Vaqueros, who rank 14th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.295), will clash against the Kangaroos, who rank 258th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.250).
UT Rio Grande Valley at UMKC Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – UT Rio Grande Valley, ATS Winner – UT Rio Grande Valley, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UMKC ranks 155th in three pointers attempted per game (22.4) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 298th (17.2).
- The Kangaroos rank 233rd in rebounds allowed per game (36.9) while the Vaqueros rank 286th (39.3).
- The Vaqueros rank 138th in assists per game (13.4) while the Kangaroos rank 246th (10.9).
- UMKC ranks 44th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 110th (6.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Kangaroos’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.4, down from 4.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Vaqueros have scored an average of 73.8 points per game (4.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.2 points per game (0.7 above their season average).
