It will be a meeting between two stifling defenses when the 20th-ranked Marquette Golden Eagles (9-2) square off against the 14th-ranked Buffalo Bulls (11-0) at Fiserv Forum. Action begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018.
Buffalo Bulls vs. Marquette Golden Eagles ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Golden Eagles easily got past the UMBC Retrievers 67-42, while the Bulls defeated the Saint Francis U Red Flash 82-67.
Buffalo played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.2 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.479. Saint Francis U was 21.6 and 0.409, respectively, for those same stats. The Golden Eagles, meanwhile, had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.467 vs. 0.274) and had a better free throw rate (0.183 vs. 0.129). Marquette rallied around Markus Howard, who finished with 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Nick Perkins, meanwhile fueled Buffalo with 16 points and nine rebounds.
Sam Hauser and Howard have played well over the last five games for Marquette. Hauser has averaged 0 points, while Howard has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
Points could be at a premium as two of the NCAA’s top defenses square off. Marquette currently ranks 36th in defensive efficiency (91.8) and Buffalo is 37th (91.9). Ball protection should be an advantage for the Bulls. They rank 38th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.4 percent), while the Golden Eagles force the 68th-fewest turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.4 percent).
Buffalo Bulls vs. Marquette Golden Eagles Betting Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Marquette, ATS Winner – Marquette, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Buffalo ranks 20th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while Marquette ranks 151st (7.7).
- The Bulls rank 21st in three pointers attempted per game (28.3) while the Golden Eagles rank 79th (24.5).
- Buffalo ranks 14th in assists per game (18.2) while Marquette ranks 65th (15.1).
- The Golden Eagles average 39.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 38th in the country. The Bulls rank 167th in rebounds allowed per game (36.2).
- Marquette ranks 28th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Buffalo ranks 100th (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bulls have scored an average of 85.8 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (0.2 above their season average).
- The Golden Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.0, down from 10.8 for the season.
