The Grand Canyon Antelopes (14-7, 7-1 WAC) and the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (12-12, 4-4 WAC) square off at Grand Canyon University Arena. The Antelopes look to continue their five-game winning streak. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 7, 2019, and will air on ESPN 3.
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. Grand Canyon Antelopes ATS Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Antelopes defeated the Bakersfield Roadrunners 72-59, while the Vaqueros beat the UMKC Kangaroos 75-63.
UT Rio Grande Valley dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.417 (above their season average of 0.284) and a turnover percentage of 18.9 (worse than their season average of 15.9). UMKC was 0.200 and 23.4, respectively, for those same stats. Grand Canyon, meanwhile, was successful at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Antelopes made 27 of their 31 free throws (87.1 percent), while the Roadrunners were just 5-12 (41.7 percent). Carlos Johnson had a good game for Grand Canyon, contributing 20 points. UT Rio Grande Valley, meanwhile, was lifted by Javon Levi, who put up eight points, 12 assists and five steals.
In their first matchup this year, Damari Milstead led the Antelopes to a 69-65 win. He scored a game-high 25 points. Grand Canyon had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.1 vs. 18.2). UT Rio Grande Valley, on the other hand, did a great job of making free throws (20-24; 83.3 percent).
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Grand Canyon offense. Grand Canyon ranks 110th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.0 percent), while the disruptive defense of UT Rio Grande Valley forces the fourth-most turnovers in the nation (25.5 percent).
UT Rio Grande Valley vs. Grand Canyon Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Grand Canyon, ATS Winner – Grand Canyon, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Grand Canyon ranks 58th in rebounds allowed per game (32.7) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 269th (40.2).
- The Vaqueros rank seventh in steals per game (9.7) while the Antelopes rank 115th (6.4).
- The Antelopes rank 21st in assists allowed per game (10.6) while the Vaqueros rank 151st (13.4).
- Grand Canyon ranks 155th in three pointers attempted per game (22.3) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 276th (17.6).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Antelopes have scored an average of 77.8 points per game (2.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 58.6 points per game (7.9 below their season average).
- The Vaqueros have outscored opponents by an average of 5.0 points in their last five games. For the season, UT Rio Grande Valley has been defeated by an average of 0.7 points.
