The South Alabama Jaguars (6-4) and their great offense host the Appalachian State Mountaineers (6-4) and their stifling defense. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 19, 2019.
Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. South Alabama Jaguars Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Jaguars defeated the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 89-79, while the Mountaineers dismantled the Howard Bison 81-59.
Appalachian State played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 13.1 (better than their season average of 17.6) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.523 (above their season average of 0.488). For those same stats, Howard was 18.4 and 0.385, respectively. The Jaguars, on the other hand, had a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.625 (above their season average of 0.528) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.5 (above their season average of 28.9). South Alabama received a boost from Josh Ajayi, who contributed 24 points and five rebounds. Isaac Johnson, meanwhile was a key piece for Appalachian State with 19 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.
The Jaguars dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent matchup, South Alabama won 78-71. South Alabama had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.618 vs. 0.475). Appalachian State, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (24.4 vs. 17.2). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
This matchup pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. South Alabama currently ranks 44th in offensive efficiency and Appalachian State ranks 23rd in defensive efficiency.
Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. South Alabama Jaguars ATS Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – South Alabama, ATS Winner – South Alabama, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- South Alabama ranks 14th in blocks per game (5.6) while Appalachian State ranks 137th (2.7).
- The Mountaineers are 39th in the country with 5.5 steals allowed per game while the Jaguars are 53rd with 5.7 steals allowed per game.
- The Jaguars rank 46th in rebounds allowed per game (32.1) while the Mountaineers rank 146th (35.5).
- Appalachian State ranks 149th in three pointers attempted per game (21.4) while South Alabama ranks 226th (18.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Mountaineers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.0, down from 8.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Jaguars have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.6 points per game (1.6 above their season average).
