The Alabama State Hornets (12-18, 10-9 SWAC) square off against the Texas Southern Tigers (20-12, 15-4 SWAC) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tourney at Bill Harris Arena. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 15, 2019.
Alabama State Hornets vs. Texas Southern Tigers Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Tigers defeated the Southern University Jaguars 80-70, while the Hornets beat the Jackson State Tigers 58-49.
The Hornets held the Tigers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.5 (below the 32.2 mark opponents have averaged against Alabama State this season) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.362 (below their season average of 0.450). Texas Southern, on the other hand, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 35.9 (above their season average of 31.6) and a turnover percentage of 14.2 (better than their season average of 17.1). Southern University recorded marks of 17.1 and 16.8, respectively, for those same stats. Texas Southern received a boost from Jalyn Patterson, who had 14 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Jacoby Ross fueled Alabama State with 14 points and six rebounds.
This could end up being an error-filled game for the Texas Southern offense. Texas Southern ranks 261st in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.8 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Alabama State forces the 32nd-most turnovers in the NCAA (22.0 percent).
Alabama State Hornets vs. Texas Southern Tigers Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Texas Southern, ATS Winner – Texas Southern, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Texas Southern ranks 43rd in assists per game (15.4) while Alabama State ranks 267th (10.0).
- The Hornets rank 111th in blocks per game (3.4) while the Tigers rank 147th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- The Tigers average 39.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 24th in the NCAA. The Hornets rank 224th in rebounds allowed per game (36.7).
- Texas Southern ranks 23rd in steals per game (8.0) while Alabama State ranks 192nd in steals allowed per game (7.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Hornets have scored an average of 66.2 points per game (1.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 79.6 points per game (7.8 above their season average).
- The Tigers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.4, up from 2.1 for the season.
