The Charleston Cougars (2-1) and the Cal Poly Mustangs (2-2) square off in the Great Alaska Shootout at Alaska Airlines Center. The games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 135 points with Charleston opening as a 10.5-point favorite. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 22, 2017.
Cal Poly Mustangs vs. Charleston Cougars Odds Preview
The Mustangs beat the Santa Clara Broncos in their last game, 63-59. Donovan Fields was the games high scorer with 23 points on 7-for-13 shooting. The Mustangs held the Broncos to an effective field goal percentage of 0.397 (below their season average of 0.590) and had a free throw rate of 0.289 (above their season average of 0.106).
In the Cougars last matchup, they topped the Charlotte 49ers, 81-72. Charleston was lifted by Joe Chealey, who was the games leading scorer with 29 points on 10-for-19 shooting. The Cougars had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.586 vs. 0.476) and had a better free throw rate (0.224 vs. 0.210).
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the NCAAs slowest-paced teams square off. Charleston ranks 324th in possessions per game (65.6) and Cal Poly is 303rd (66.7) dating back to the 2016-17 season. Furthermore, the Mustangs, who rank 330th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.199), could struggle to get to the line against the Cougars, who rank 57th in opponents FTA rate (0.210).
Since last season, the Mustangs are 13-22 straight up (SU) and 13-17 against the spread (ATS). There does not appear to be a trend for Cal Poly games since last year in regards to the projected point total as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
The Cougars, meanwhile, are 27-10 SU and 18-16-1 ATS since last season. Games including Charleston have had a tendency to finish over the projected point total over that same time frame (60.0 percent).
Cal Poly Mustangs vs. Charleston Cougars ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Charleston, ATS Winner – Cal Poly, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Mustangs average 3.7 blocks per game, which ranks 110th in the NCAA. The Cougars rank 144th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
- Charleston ranks second in steals allowed per game (3.9) while Cal Poly ranks 23rd (4.9).
- Cal Poly ranks 49th in three pointers attempted per game (24.4) while Charleston ranks 231st (19.4).
- The Cougars rank 35th in assists allowed per game (11.3) while the Mustangs rank 120th (12.7).
- Charleston ranks 253rd in rebounds per game (34.1) while Cal Poly ranks 299th (32.2).
