The VMI Keydets (5-14, 0-6 SoCon) welcome the Citadel Bulldogs (6-10, 0-5 SoCon) to Cameron Hall, where both teams will will try to put an end to their losing streaks. The Keydets are on a seven game losing streak, while the Bulldogs have lost five consecutive games. Action starts at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Citadel Bulldogs vs. VMI Keydets ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last contest. The Keydets fell to the Mercer Bears, 73-62, while the Bulldogs were defeated by the UNCG Spartans, 79-69.
Citadel did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (12-17; 70.6 percent) while VMI forced Mercer into a turnover percentage of 24.6 (above their season average of 18.2). VMI received a boost from Jake Stephens, who put up 12 points and five rebounds. Fletcher Abee had a good outing for Citadel, recording 20 points and six rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last contest, the Keydets won 81-78. VMI had a much better turnover percentage (10.3 vs. 19.6). Citadel, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (20.0 vs. 12.8). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
VMI appears to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Keydets currently rank 68th in effective field goal percentage (0.528), while Citadel ranks 223rd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.497). It will also be a battle of opposite tempos as the aggressively-paced Bulldogs rank second in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Keydets rank 280th.
Citadel Bulldogs at VMI Keydets Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – VMI, ATS Winner – VMI, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- VMI ranks seventh in three pointers attempted per game (29.6) while Citadel ranks 265th in three pointers allowed per game (27.6).
- The Keydets rank 89th in steals per game (7.3) while the Bulldogs rank 187th in steals allowed per game (8.1).
- Citadel ranks 38th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while VMI ranks 69th (3.1).
- The Keydets average 16.7 assists per game, which ranks 13th in the NCAA. The Bulldogs rank 194th in assists allowed per game (14.1).
- VMI ranks 131st in rebounds allowed per game (34.9) while Citadel ranks 239th (38.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 70.6 points per game (11.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.0 points per game (0.6 below their season average).
- The Keydets have been outscored by an average of 9.6 points in their last five games. On the season, VMI has defeated opponents by an average of 3.6 points.
