Expect a fast-paced game when the Central Arkansas Bears (5-13, 4-3 SthLnd) head to Nicholls to take on the Colonels (11-7, 5-2 SthLnd). Action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Central Arkansas Bears at Nicholls Colonels ATS Odds
Both teams lost a winnable game in their last matchup. The Colonels fell to the Northwestern State Demons, 73-72, while the Bears were defeated by the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, 77-76.
Central Arkansas did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (11-15; 73.3 percent) while Nicholls forced Northwestern State into a turnover percentage of 29.1 (above their season average of 20.3). Warith Alatishe played a pivotal role for Nicholls with 18 points and eight rebounds. Central Arkansas was led by Eddy Kayouloud, who finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Colonels won the last matchup 100-57. Nicholls had a much better turnover percentage (8.8 vs. 20.1). Central Arkansas, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.5 vs. 20.0). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
There could be plenty of transition action in this matchup that features a pair of the nation’s more fast-breaking teams. Nicholls ranks 28th in possessions per game (74.2) and Central Arkansas is fourth (78.8). Furthermore, the Bears rank 311th in offensive efficiency (95.0), while the Colonels rank 28th in defensive efficiency (89.6).
Central Arkansas Bears vs. Nicholls Colonels ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Nicholls, ATS Winner – Nicholls, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Nicholls ranks second in steals per game (11.2) while Central Arkansas ranks 208th (5.2).
- The Colonels rank 130th in assists allowed per game (12.5) while the Bears rank 248th (16.9).
- Central Arkansas ranks 12th in blocks per game (5.6) while Nicholls ranks 99th (3.3).
- The Colonels rank 61st in three pointers allowed per game (19.6) while the Bears rank 233rd (25.1).
- Central Arkansas averages 37.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 86th in the NCAA. Nicholls ranks 222nd in rebounds allowed per game (37.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Colonels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.4, down from 9.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 85.8 points per game (11.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 85.0 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
