It will be a matchup between two phenomenal offenses when the Citadel Bulldogs (9-5, 1-2 SoCon) go head-to-head with the East Tennessee State Buccaneers (13-4, 3-1 SoCon) at McAlister Field House. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 10, 2019.
East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. Citadel Bulldogs ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last game. The Bulldogs lost big to the 22nd-ranked Clemson Tigers, 100-80, while the Buccaneers lost to the Georgia State Panthers, 74-68.
East Tennessee State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (52.9 vs. 40.5) while Citadel did a fantastic job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (18-25; 72.0 percent). Citadel rallied around Lew Stallworth, who had 15 points and six rebounds. Isaiah Tisdale played a key role for East Tennessee State with 19 points and five rebounds.
This series was highly competitive last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Bulldogs won the most recent game 84-82. Citadel did a great job of making free throws (19-23; 82.6 percent). East Tennessee State, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (15.6 vs. 20.7). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
The Buccaneers’ Jeromy Rodriguez has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Stallworth has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Bulldogs.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Citadel takes on the top-notch defense of East Tennessee State. The Bulldogs rank seventh in offensive efficiency, while the Buccaneers are 22nd in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Buccaneers could control the offensive glass in this matchup as they rank fourth in the NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 39.5 percent. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, rank 312th in defensive rebounding percentage (67.6 percent).
East Tennessee State Buccaneers at Citadel Bulldogs Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Citadel, ATS Winner – East Tennessee State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- East Tennessee State ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (28.7) while Citadel ranks 259th (41.2).
- The Bulldogs average 7.9 steals per game, which ranks 49th in the country. The Buccaneers rank 128th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
- Citadel ranks 66th in blocks per game (3.9) while East Tennessee State ranks 113th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- The Buccaneers average 15.8 assists per game, which ranks 47th in the NCAA. The Bulldogs rank 236th in assists allowed per game (18.2).
- Citadel ranks second in three pointers attempted per game (37.6) while East Tennessee State ranks 150th in three pointers allowed per game (23.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 105.0 points per game (8.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 82.8 points per game (4.1 below their season average).
- The Buccaneers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.0, up from 15.1 for the season.
