Expect a fast-paced game when the Central Arkansas Bears (3-10, 2-0 SthLnd) travel to Houston Baptist to play the Huskies (0-10, 0-1 SthLnd). The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
Central Arkansas Bears at Houston Baptist Huskies Betting Odds
Both teams got blown out in their last outing. The Huskies fell to the New Mexico Lobos, 107-88, while the Bears were defeated by the Marquette Golden Eagles, 106-54.
Central Arkansas had an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.1 (above their season average of 25.1) while Houston Baptist had a better offensive rebounding percentage (30.6 vs. 33.3). Houston Baptist was led by Jalon Gates, who recorded 30 points. Meanwhile, Rylan Bergersen was a key piece for Central Arkansas with 10 points and seven rebounds.
The Huskies won the lone game between these two teams last year, 75-71. The Huskies’ 14.8 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Bears, who had a mark of 18.5. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
There should be plenty of transition offense in this matchup that showcases two of the NCAA’s more up-tempo teams. Houston Baptist currently ranks fifth in possessions per game (78.8) and Central Arkansas is third (79.4). Also, the Bears are among the NCAA’s best at getting to the line, ranking 24th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.285). The Huskies, meanhwile, rank 326th at keeping opponents off the charity stripe with an opponents’ FTA rate of 0.282.
Central Arkansas Bears at Houston Baptist Huskies ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Houston Baptist, ATS Winner – Houston Baptist, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Central Arkansas ranks 77th in rebounds per game (38.0) while Houston Baptist ranks 268th in rebounds allowed per game (42.2).
- The Bears rank 139th in assists per game (13.2) while the Huskies rank 245th in assists allowed per game (22.1).
- Houston Baptist ranks 152nd in steals per game (6.0) while Central Arkansas ranks 188th in steals allowed per game (9.5).
- The Bears rank seventh in blocks per game (6.2) while the Huskies rank 193rd (1.8).
- Houston Baptist ranks 78th in three pointers attempted per game (24.4) while Central Arkansas ranks 239th in three pointers allowed per game (25.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bears’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 17.2, down from 17.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 79.6 points per game (3.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 102.2 points per game (1.0 above their season average).
