The Mississippi State Bulldogs (9-3) and their phenomenal offense host the eighth-ranked Auburn Tigers (12-0) and their tremendous defense. The game can be seen on SEC Network at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Auburn Tigers vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs ATS Odds
Both teams dismantled their last opponent. The Bulldogs defeated the Kent State Golden Flashes 96-68, while the Tigers beat the Lipscomb Bisons 86-59.
Auburn dominated every facet of the game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 48.5 (above their season average of 35.7) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.617 (above their season average of 0.531). Lipscomb put up marks of 28.9 and 0.430, respectively, for those same stats. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, knocked down 29 of their 38 free throws (76.3 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 42.9 (above their season average of 40.8). Reggie Perry played well for Mississippi State with 26 points and 17 rebounds. Auburn, meanwhile, was lifted by Austin Wiley, who finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Tigers won the last matchup 80-75. The Tigers’ 14.1 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Bulldogs, who had a rate of 21.4. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
This matchup pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Mississippi State currently ranks 27th in offensive efficiency and Auburn ranks 59th in defensive efficiency. Moreover, the Tigers rank 15th in offensive rebounding percentage (36.6 percent), while the Bulldogs rank 269th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.6 percent).
Auburn Tigers vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Auburn, ATS Winner – Auburn, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Auburn ranks 37th in three pointers attempted per game (26.7) while Mississippi State ranks 251st (17.5).
- The Tigers rank 99th in steals per game (7.0) while the Bulldogs rank 131st in steals allowed per game (7.1).
- Mississippi State averages 4.9 blocks per game, which is ranked 31st in the nation. Auburn ranks third in blocks allowed per game (1.8).
- The Bulldogs rank ninth in rebounds allowed per game (29.4) while the Tigers rank 119th (34.7).
- Auburn ranks 39th in assists allowed per game (10.5) while Mississippi State ranks 88th (11.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 77.4 points per game (4.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.4 points per game (1.2 below their season average).
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.0, down from 9.9 for the season.
