The Denver Pioneers (3-4) will be at home in Magness Arena when they clash against the Air Force Falcons (3-3). Denver is a 5.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 145 points. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
Air Force Falcons at Denver Pioneers Odds Preview
The last time the Falcons played, they lost to the Indiana State Sycamores, 74-64. Air Force’s Frank Toohey put together a good performance, contributing 10 points and seven rebounds. Indiana State’s 21.5 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Air Force, who had a mark of 25.3. The Sycamores mark was worse than their season average of 19.6, while the Falcons was above their season average of 15.8.
The Pioneers will look to keep it rolling after defeating the Wyoming Cowboys in their last outing, 88-78. Joe Rosga played a pivotal role for Denver with 18 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Denver dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (below their season average of 35.1) and a free throw rate of 0.500 (above their season average of 0.268). For those same stats, Wyoming was 19.1 and 0.324, respectively.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Denver figures to have a considerable edge. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Pioneers offense ranks 41st in that metric at 0.543, while the Air Force defense ranks 329th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.541). Furthermore, the Falcons rank 280th in offensive rebounding percentage (27.0 percent), while the Pioneers rank 21st in defensive rebounding percentage (75.1 percent).
Games involving these teams have a tendency to finish over the O/U total. Air Force games have finished over 60.0 percent of the time, while 66.7 percent of Denver games have gone over. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Falcons have a sizable advantage. They are 3-3 SU and 3-2 ATS, while the Pioneers are 3-4 SU and 2-4 ATS.
The Pioneers won the sole game against the Falcons last season, 77-65. Denver had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.637 vs. 0.471). Air Force, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (21.6 vs. 14.8).
Air Force Falcons at Denver Pioneers ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Denver, ATS Winner – Denver, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Pioneers rank 17th in rebounds allowed per game (31.2) while the Falcons rank 118th (34.3).
- Denver ranks 270th in blocks per game (2.1) while Air Force ranks 281st (1.8).
- Denver ranks 59th in assists allowed per game (11.7) while Air Force ranks 273rd (15.1).
- The Falcons rank 120th in three pointers attempted per game (22.2) while the Pioneers rank 275th (18.4).
- Air Force ranks 141st in steals allowed per game (6.1) while Denver ranks 247th (7.1).
