The UTEP Miners (8-15, 3-9 CUSA) visit Thomas Assembly Center to take on the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (15-10, 5-7 CUSA). The Miners look to put an end to their nine-game road losing streak, while the Bulldogs attempt to prolong their nine-game home winning streak. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 14, 2019.
UTEP Miners at Louisiana Tech Bulldogs ATS Odds
In their last game, the Bulldogs lost a winnable game to the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, 73-71, while the Miners were victorious over the FIU Golden Panthers, 85-75.
UTEP played a nearly flawless game. They had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 43.3 (above their season average of 27.8) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.571 (above their season average of 0.473). FIU put up marks of 25.0 and 0.431, respectively, for those same stats. Louisiana Tech, on the other hand, forced Southern Miss into a turnover percentage of 20.6 (above their season average of 13.0). JaColby Pemberton had a good outing for Louisiana Tech, finishing with 17 points and eight rebounds. Paul Thomas, meanwhile fueled UTEP with 16 points and nine 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 Miners won 74-72. UTEP had a better offensive rebounding percentage (29.6 vs. 25.0). Louisiana Tech, on the other hand, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (18-22; 81.8 percent). This will be the first contest of the year between these two teams.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, UTEP figures to have a noteworthy advantage. The Miners defense ranks 66th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.480), while the Louisiana Tech offense is ranked 214th in effective field goal percentage (0.504).
UTEP vs. Louisiana Tech ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Louisiana Tech, ATS Winner – UTEP, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Louisiana Tech ranks 121st in assists per game (13.8) while UTEP ranks 249th (10.9).
- The Bulldogs average 3.7 blocks per game, which ranks 86th in the nation. The Miners rank 95th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
- The Bulldogs rank 42nd in steals allowed per game (5.4) while the Miners rank 149th (6.8).
- Louisiana Tech averages 37.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 88th in the country. UTEP ranks 168th in rebounds allowed per game (35.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 70.4 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.4 points per game (1.3 above their season average).
- The Miners’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.2, up from 2.9 for the season.
