The Samford Bulldogs (7-8, 1-0 SoCon) will be at Cameron Hall to go head-to-head against the VMI Keydets (5-10, 0-2 SoCon) in a SoCon matchup. The game starts at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Samford Bulldogs vs. VMI Keydets Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Keydets fell to the Furman Paladins, 89-73, while the Bulldogs won a close one over the Citadel Bulldogs, 69-68.
Samford played a nearly perfect matchup. They had a free throw rate of 0.203 (below their season average of 0.220) and a turnover percentage of 19.4 (worse than their season average of 19.1). Citadel was 0.159 and 20.4, respectively, for those same stats. VMI, meanwhile, forced Furman into a turnover percentage of 21.1 (above their season average of 14.1). Sean Conway put together a good performance for VMI with 15 points and five steals. Samford, meanwhile, was led by Robert Allen, who recorded 16 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bulldogs dominated this series last year, emerging victorious in both games. In the most recent game, Samford won 84-77. Samford’s effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over VMI. The Bulldogs had a rate of 0.569 while the Keydets posted a mark of 0.429. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The high-powered offense of VMI will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Samford. The Keydets rank 59th in offensive efficiency, while the Bulldogs are 239th in defensive efficiency. The Keydets figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. It will also be a battle of opposite styles as the up-tempo Bulldogs rank 16th in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Keydets rank 296th.
Samford Bulldogs at VMI Keydets ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Vmi, ATS Winner – Samford, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- VMI averages 30.2 three pointers per game, which ranks fifth in the nation. Samford ranks 257th in three pointers allowed per game (28.7).
- The Keydets rank 42nd in steals allowed per game (5.6) while the Bulldogs rank 156th (7.9).
- The Keydets rank 24th in assists per game (16.5) while the Bulldogs rank 231st in assists allowed per game (17.0).
- VMI ranks 104th in rebounds allowed per game (34.1) while Samford ranks 242nd (39.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulldogs have been outscored by an average of 8.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Samford has defeated opponents by an average of 0.5 points.
- During their last five games, the Keydets have scored an average of 75.2 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.0 points per game (6.1 above their season average).
