It will be a showdown between two stifling defenses when the Furman Paladins (20-5, 9-4 SoCon) clash with the UNCG Spartans (22-3, 11-1 SoCon) at Timmons Arena. Action gets underway at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 14, 2019.
UNCG Spartans vs. Furman Paladins ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Paladins had no trouble getting past the East Tennessee State Buccaneers 91-61, while the Spartans were victorious over the Chattanooga Mocs 78-63.
UNCG’s 9.0 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Chattanooga, who had a rate of 29.2. The Spartans’ mark was better than their season average of 14.2, while the Mocs’ was above their season average of 16.0. The Paladins, on the other hand, had a ridiculous effective field goal percentage of 0.760 (above their season average of 0.554) and had a free throw rate of 0.300 (above their season average of 0.175). Matt Rafferty fueled Furman with 19 points and five assists. Isaiah Miller played well for UNCG, finishing with 21 points and five steals.
In their first matchup this season, Miller led the Spartans to an 89-79 win. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 25 points. UNCG had a much better turnover percentage (15.7 vs. 26.4). Furman, on the other hand, did an excellent job of making free throws (15-17; 88.2 percent).
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Furman takes on the stingy defense of UNCG. The Paladins rank 45th in offensive efficiency, while the Spartans are 36th in defensive efficiency. Also, the Spartans commit the 32nd-fewest errors in the country (turnover percentage of 16.2 percent), while the pesky defense of the Paladins causes the 59th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 21.7 percent).
UNCG Spartans at Furman Paladins Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Furman, ATS Winner – UNCG, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UNCG averages 9.0 steals per game, which ranks 10th in the nation. Furman ranks 158th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
- The Spartans rank 40th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Paladins rank 97th (3.3).
- The Paladins rank 24th in assists per game (16.2) while the Spartans rank 163rd (13.2).
- Furman ranks sixth in three pointers attempted per game (28.9) while UNCG ranks 132nd (23.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 83.4 points per game (4.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.4 points per game (1.0 above their season average).
- The Paladins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.6, up from 12.5 for the season.
