Expect a fast-paced game when the Central Arkansas Bears (7-15, 6-5 SthLnd) head to Lamar to take on the Cardinals (11-11, 5-6 SthLnd). Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
Central Arkansas Bears vs. Lamar Cardinals Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Cardinals defeated the McNeese State Cowboys 96-91, while the Bears beat the Northwestern State Demons 79-71.
Central Arkansas played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.282 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 12.4 (better than their season average of 20.5). For those same stats, Northwestern State had marks of 0.067 and 22.0, respectively. Lamar, on the other hand, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.615 (above their season average of 0.482) and a free throw rate of 0.246 (above their season average of 0.225). McNeese State was 0.536 and 0.229, respectively, for those same stats. Davion Buster had a good game for Lamar with 39 points. Meanwhile, Central Arkansas rallied around Rylan Bergersen, who contributed 15 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
The Bears won the lone contest between these two teams last season, 75-68. Central Arkansas’ 0.653 effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over Lamar, who had a mark of 0.422. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
There should be plenty of transition action in this contest that features a pair of the NCAA’s more up-tempo teams. Lamar ranks 52nd in possessions per game (72.5) and Central Arkansas is fourth (77.7). It could also be a sloppy game for the Bears’ offense, which ranks 340th in ball security (turnover percentage of 23.1 percent). They’ll be going up against the top-notch defense of the Cardinals, which forces the 13th-most turnovers in the nation (24.9 percent).
Central Arkansas Bears at Lamar Cardinals Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Lamar, ATS Winner – Lamar, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Lamar averages 9.6 steals per game, which ranks seventh in the country. Central Arkansas ranks 220th in steals allowed per game (9.3).
- The Bears average 5.5 blocks per game, which ranks 13th in the nation. The Cardinals rank 145th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- Lamar averages 13.3 assists per game, which ranks 135th in the NCAA. Central Arkansas ranks 248th in assists allowed per game (16.2).
- The Bears rank 83rd in three pointers attempted per game (24.0) while the Cardinals rank 260th (17.8).
- Central Arkansas ranks 50th in rebounds per game (38.7) while Lamar ranks 219th in rebounds allowed per game (37.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bears have outscored opponents by an average of 3.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Central Arkansas has been defeated by an average of 9.4 points.
- During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (4.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.4 points per game (7.3 above their season average).
