It will be a matchup between two outstanding offenses when the Appalachian State Mountaineers (6-14, 1-6 SBC) go head-to-head with the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (13-7, 4-3 SBC) at Holmes Convocation Center. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns at Appalachian State Mountaineers Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Mountaineers defeated the Little Rock Trojans 77-73, while the Ragin’ Cajuns beat the Troy Trojans 86-81.
The Ragin’ Cajuns had a superb turnover percentage of 9.7 (better than their season average of 16.2) and held the Trojans to an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.1 (below the 33.7 mark opponents have averaged against Louisiana this season). Appalachian State, meanwhile, was effective at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Mountaineers made 20 of their 25 free throws (80.0 percent), while the Trojans were just 12-20 (60.0 percent). Ronshad Shabazz had a good outing for Appalachian State, contributing 21 points and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Louisiana rallied around Jakeenan Gant, who put up 21 points and 10 rebounds.
The Ragin’ Cajuns won the sole game between these two teams last season, 78-45. Louisiana’s 0.182 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Appalachian State, who had a mark of 0.073. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
There should be a fair amount of transition offense in this battle that features two of the NCAA’s more fast-breaking teams. Appalachian State ranks 26th in possessions per game (74.5) and Louisiana is 12th (76.4).
Louisiana at Appalachian State Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Louisiana, ATS Winner – Louisiana, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Louisiana ranks 37th in steals per game (7.9) while Appalachian State ranks 188th (5.1).
- The Mountaineers average 25.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 59th in the NCAA. The Ragin’ Cajuns rank 128th in three pointers allowed per game (22.0).
- Louisiana blocks 4.3 opponent shots per game, which is ranked 52nd in the NCAA. Appalachian State ranks 106th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
- The Ragin’ Cajuns average 36.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 134th in the country. The Mountaineers rank 264th in rebounds allowed per game (39.0).
- Louisiana ranks 48th in assists per game (15.4) while Appalachian State ranks 161st in assists allowed per game (13.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Mountaineers have been outscored by an average of 5.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Appalachian State has defeated opponents by an average of 1.3 points.
- During their last five games, the Ragin’ Cajuns have scored an average of 86.4 points per game (2.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 87.6 points per game (7.3 above their season average).
