The BYU Cougars (1-0) will travel to L. Stockwell Jadwin Gymnasium to meet the Princeton Tigers (0-1) in their home opener. Princeton is a 4.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 155 points. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 15, 2017.
BYU Cougars at Princeton Tigers Odds Preview
The Cougars won big over the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils in their last contest, 91-61. With 13 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, BYU’s Yoeli Childs had a good outing. BYU dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.232 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.7. For those same stats, Mississippi Valley State had marks of 0.109 and 22.0, respectively.
The last time the Tigers played, they were topped by the Butler Bulldogs, 85-75, and failed to cover as 9-point underdogs. Amir Bell was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 7-for-13 shooting. Butler had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (21.7 vs. 0.0). Princeton, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.356 vs. 0.316). The two teams combined to score 160 points, which was well over the projected point total of 144.
Princeton should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, Princeton ranks ninth in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.3 percent), while BYU has forced the 28th-fewest turnovers (16.2 percent). It will also be a matchup of opposite paces as the fast-paced Cougars rank 17th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Tigers rank 329th.
The Cougars are 23-11 straight up (SU) since last season, but are just 12-17-2 against the spread (ATS). Games involving BYU have had a slight tendency to finish under the O/U total since last season (54.8 percent).
On the other hand, the Tigers, are 23-7 SU and 13-11-1 ATS since last season. Over that same time frame, Princeton’s games have finished under the projected point total 56.0 percent of the time.
The Cougars won the sole game against the Tigers last season, 82-73. BYU did a great job of getting and making free throws (30-41; 73.2 percent). Princeton, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (12.5 vs. 14.3).
BYU Cougars at Princeton Tigers Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Princeton, ATS Winner – Princeton, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Tigers rank 13th in assists allowed per game (10.5) while the Cougars rank 225th (14.1).
- BYU ranks 33rd in blocks per game (4.8) while Princeton ranks 170th (3.1).
- Princeton averages 25.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 19th in the nation. BYU ranks 297th in three pointers allowed per game (24.7).
- The Cougars rank second in rebounds per game (41.8) while the Tigers rank 273rd (32.9).
- Princeton ranks seventh in steals allowed per game (4.5) while BYU ranks 219th (6.9).
