The Belmont Bruins (9-2) welcome the Jacksonville State Gamecocks (8-5) to Curb Event Center. The Bruins will attempt to prolong their six-game winning streak. Action gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019, and can be seen on ESPNU.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks at Belmont Bruins Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Bruins defeated the Illinois State Redbirds, 100-89, while the Gamecocks were blown out by the Samford Bulldogs, 92-72.
Belmont played a flawless contest. They had a free throw rate of 0.169 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 30.6. Illinois State was 0.083 and 21.1, respectively, for those same stats. Jacksonville State, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 22.2). Grayson Murphy played a key role for Belmont with 13 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. Jason Burnell, meanwhile played well for Jacksonville State, finishing with 16 points and eight rebounds.
The Gamecocks dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the most recent game, Jacksonville State won 78-67. Jacksonville State’s 0.175 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Belmont, who had a mark of 0.063. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Kevin McClain and Nick Muszynski have played well over the last five games for Belmont. McClain has averaged 0 points, while Muszynski has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
It will be a matchup of opposite tempos as the fast-breaking Bruins will look to push the more grind-it-out Gamecocks. The Bruins currently rank 10th in possessions per game while the Gamecocks are 229th.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Belmont Bruins ATS Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Belmont, ATS Winner – Belmont, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Belmont ranks 12th in three pointers attempted per game (28.8) while Jacksonville State ranks 244th (17.8).
- The Bruins rank 25th in steals per game (8.5) while the Gamecocks rank 97th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
- Belmont ranks fourth in assists per game (20.0) while Jacksonville State ranks 71st (14.2).
- The Gamecocks average 38.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 69th in the nation. The Bruins rank 210th in rebounds allowed per game (38.1).
- Jacksonville State ranks 27th in blocks per game (4.8) while Belmont ranks 146th in blocks allowed per game (4.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Gamecocks have been outscored by an average of 1.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Jacksonville State has defeated opponents by an average of 8.8 points.
- During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 94.8 points per game (7.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.6 points per game (6.2 below their season average).
