The Nicholls Colonels (7-6, 1-1 SthLnd) welcome the UIW Cardinals (3-9, 0-1 SthLnd) to David R. Stopher Gym. The Colonels look to extend their five-game home winning streak, while the Cardinals try to snap their six-game road losing streak. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
UIW Cardinals vs. Nicholls Colonels ATS Odds
Both teams lost big in their last matchup. The Colonels fell to the Abilene Christian Wildcats, 79-61, while the Cardinals were defeated by the Washington State Cougars, 87-59.
UIW forced Washington State into a turnover percentage of 19.1 (above their season average of 12.8) while Nicholls did a great job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (22-30; 73.3 percent). Elvis Harvey Jr. had a good game for Nicholls with 15 points and five rebounds. UIW, meanwhile, was led by Dwight Murray Jr., who recorded 10 points and six rebounds.
The Cardinals won the lone contest between these two teams last season, 65-58. One of UIW’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 8-8 (100.0 percent), while the Colonels were just 4-7 (57.1 percent). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The offensive glass could be a major edge for Nicholls in this contest. The Colonels rank 54th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.7 percent), while UIW ranks 322nd in defensive rebounding percentage (67.1 percent). It could also be an error-filled game for the Cardinals’ offense, which ranks 277th in ball security (turnover percentage of 20.9 percent). They’ll be going up against the top-notch defense of the Colonels, which forces the third-most turnovers in the nation (27.4 percent).
UIW Cardinals vs. Nicholls Colonels ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Nicholls, ATS Winner – Nicholls, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Nicholls ranks 64th in three pointers attempted per game (25.1) while UIW ranks 257th (17.8).
- The Colonels average 3.3 blocks per game, which ranks 96th in the country. The Cardinals rank 150th in blocks allowed per game (4.6).
- Nicholls averages 12.9 assists per game, which ranks 145th in the NCAA. UIW ranks 193rd in assists allowed per game (14.5).
- The Colonels rank 111th in rebounds per game (36.8) while the Cardinals rank 237th in rebounds allowed per game (38.7).
- Nicholls ranks first in steals per game (11.2) while UIW ranks 97th (7.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 71.6 points per game (5.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 77.2 points per game (5.0 above their season average).
- The Colonels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 17.4, up from 9.8 for the season.
