A seven-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Bakersfield Roadrunners (11-6, 3-1 WAC) when they welcome the UMKC Kangaroos (7-10, 2-0 WAC) to Icardo Center. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019.
UMKC Kangaroos vs. Bakersfield Roadrunners ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Roadrunners fell to the New Mexico State Aggies, 73-62, while the Kangaroos defeated the California Baptist Lancers, 84-68.
UMKC played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 15.4 (better than their season average of 16.2) and a free throw rate of 0.377 (above their season average of 0.217). For those same stats, California Baptist had marks of 22.6 and 0.308, respectively. Bakersfield, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 8.8 (better than their season average of 17.1). Jarkel Joiner played well for Bakersfield, finishing with 18 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Brandon McKissic played a pivotal role for UMKC with 17 points and five rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the most recent game, the Roadrunners won 81-58. Bakersfield won the rebounding battle. The Roadrunners had more offensive rebounds (12 vs. seven), defensive rebounds (29 vs. 16) and total rebounds (41 vs. 23). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Bakersfield offense. Bakersfield ranks 254th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.1 percent), while the disruptive defense of UMKC forces the 66th-most turnovers in the country (22.0 percent).
UMKC vs. Bakersfield ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Bakersfield, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Bakersfield ranks 108th in rebounds per game (36.6) while UMKC ranks 250th (31.6).
- The Roadrunners rank 145th in assists per game (13.2) while the Kangaroos rank 154th in assists allowed per game (14.0).
- The Roadrunners rank 10th in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while the Kangaroos rank 99th (3.5).
- UMKC ranks 22nd in steals per game (8.6) while Bakersfield ranks 78th (7.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Kangaroos have scored an average of 76.8 points per game (4.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.8 points per game (1.1 below their season average).
- The Roadrunners have been outscored by an average of 5.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Bakersfield has defeated opponents by an average of 1.6 points.
