It will be a battle between two phenomenal offenses when the East Tennessee State Buccaneers (19-7, 9-4 SoCon) go head-to-head against the Citadel Bulldogs (11-12, 3-9 SoCon) at Freedom Hall Civic Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 14, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.
Citadel Bulldogs vs. East Tennessee State Buccaneers ATS Odds
In their last game, the Buccaneers got blown out by the Furman Paladins, 91-61, while the Bulldogs were victorious over the Mercer Bears, 67-61.
The Bulldogs had a superb free throw rate of 0.283 (above their season average of 0.197) and held the Bears to an effective field goal percentage of 0.395 (below their season average of 0.526). East Tennessee State, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.3 vs. 28.6). Jeromy Rodriguez had a good outing for East Tennessee State, finishing with 21 points and seven rebounds. Lew Stallworth was a key piece for Citadel with 27 points.
In their first matchup this season, Rodriguez led the Buccaneers to a 98-73 win. He notched a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. East Tennessee State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.6 vs. 24.5). Citadel, on the other hand, did an excellent job of converting from the free throw line (7-10; 70.0 percent).
East Tennessee State could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their prolific offense goes up against one of the worst defenses in the nation. The Buccaneers currently rank 44th in offensive efficiency, while Citadel ranks 318th in defensive efficiency.
Citadel at East Tennessee State Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – East Tennessee State, ATS Winner – East Tennessee State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- East Tennessee State ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (29.2) while Citadel ranks 292nd (41.2).
- The Buccaneers average 7.7 steals per game, which ranks 44th in the nation. The Bulldogs rank 182nd in steals allowed per game (7.3).
- East Tennessee State averages 3.7 blocks per game, which is ranked 85th in the nation. Citadel ranks 118th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
- The Buccaneers rank 36th in assists per game (15.8) while the Bulldogs rank 256th in assists allowed per game (18.1).
- Citadel ranks second in three pointers attempted per game (35.3) while East Tennessee State ranks 189th in three pointers allowed per game (23.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Buccaneers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 11.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 66.6 points per game (20.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 79.2 points per game (5.9 below their season average).
