Expect a defensive battle when the UNCG Spartans (17-5, 7-2 SoCon) square off with the East Tennessee State Buccaneers (18-4, 7-2 SoCon) at Freedom Hall Civic Center. Action starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
UNCG Spartans at East Tennessee State Buccaneers Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Buccaneers lost to the Mercer Bears, 71-55, while the Spartans beat the Western Carolina Catamounts, 72-58.
UNCG dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a solid turnover percentage of 8.5 (better than their season average of 14.5) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 37.2 (above their season average of 34.3). For those same stats, Western Carolina was 22.6 and 27.3, respectively. East Tennessee State, meanwhile, forced Mercer into a turnover percentage of 28.1 (above their season average of 18.3). Bo Hodges had a good game for East Tennessee State, recording 12 points and six rebounds. Isaiah Miller, meanwhile fueled UNCG with 23 points and nine rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Joe Hugley led the Buccaneers to a 64-57 victory. He put up 14 points and nine rebounds. One of East Tennessee State’s largest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They had 33 free throw attempts, while UNCG had just 17.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the prolific offense of East Tennessee State (17th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 111.9) takes on the elite defense of UNCG (sixth in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 86.7). Moreover, the Spartans commit the 50th-fewest errors in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 17.0 percent), while the pesky defense of the Buccaneers causes the 21st-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.0 percent).
UNCG vs. East Tennessee State Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – East Tennessee State, ATS Winner – East Tennessee State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UNCG ranks 23rd in three pointers attempted per game (27.4) while East Tennessee State ranks 113th (22.9).
- The Spartans are 20th in the NCAA with 2.4 blocks allowed per game while the Buccaneers are 60th with 2.9 blocks allowed per game.
- UNCG is 10th in the nation with 9.7 assists allowed per game while East Tennessee State is 31st with 10.4 assists allowed per game.
- The Spartans average 9.8 steals per game, which ranks fifth in the NCAA. The Buccaneers rank 85th in steals allowed per game (6.0).
- East Tennessee State ranks 37th in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while UNCG ranks 80th (33.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Buccaneers have scored an average of 72.8 points per game (3.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.8 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
- The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.8, down from 14.0 for the season.
