UTEP Miners at UAB Blazers ATS Prediction 01/17/19

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The UTEP Miners (6-9, 1-3 CUSA) head to Bartow Arena to square off against the UAB Blazers (10-7, 2-2 CUSA). The Miners will attempt to end a five-game road losing streak. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

UTEP Miners at UAB Blazers ATS Odds

In their last contest, the Blazers were beaten by the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, 73-68, while the Miners barely escaped the Rice Owls, 65-64.

The Miners, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.491, had a mark of 0.518, while the Owls had a free throw rate of 0.117 (below their season average of 0.273). UAB, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.7 vs. 21.2). Lewis Sullivan had a good outing for UAB, recording 14 points and nine rebounds. UTEP was lifted by Jordan Lathon, who finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

The Blazers won the sole contest between these two teams last year, 85-78. UAB’s 0.263 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over UTEP, who had a mark of 0.143. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

The offense of UAB will go head-to-head against the stingy defense of UTEP. The Blazers currently rank 194th in offensive efficiency, while the Miners are 85th in defensive efficiency. The Miners should have the edge on that side of the ball. Furthermore, put-back points figure to be rare for the Miners. They rank 261st in the NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 26.4 percent, while the Blazers are 53rd-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 75.1 percent).

UTEP at UAB Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Uab, ATS Winner – UAB, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • UAB ranks 25th in rebounds allowed per game (31.2) while UTEP ranks 147th (35.5).
  • The Blazers average 6.5 steals per game, which ranks 108th in the NCAA. The Miners rank 122nd in steals allowed per game (6.7).
  • The Miners allow the 28th-fewest assists per game (10.7) while the Blazers rank 58th (11.8).
  • UAB ranks 209th in three pointers attempted per game (20.2) while UTEP ranks 238th (19.3).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Miners have scored an average of 63.0 points per game (3.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (2.6 below their season average).
  • The Blazers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, up from 3.6 for the season.