East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. UNCG Spartans Free Prediction 01/08/20

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It will be a showdown between two stifling defenses when the UNCG Spartans (12-4, 2-1 SoCon) square off with the East Tennessee State Buccaneers (13-3, 2-1 SoCon) at Greensboro Coliseum. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 8, 2020.

East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs. UNCG Spartans Betting Odds

Both teams lost in their last game. The Spartans fell to the Wofford Terriers, 98-92, while the Buccaneers were defeated by the Furman Paladins, 65-56.

East Tennessee State forced Furman into a turnover percentage of 24.9 (above their season average of 14.5) while UNCG had a much better turnover percentage (11.0 vs. 18.1). Isaiah Miller played a pivotal role for UNCG with 28 points, nine assists and five rebounds. East Tennessee State, meanwhile, was lifted by Bo Hodges, who contributed 12 points.

The Spartans dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the most recent contest, UNCG won 60-59. UNCG had a much better turnover percentage (13.4 vs. 23.3). East Tennessee State, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.409 vs. 0.190). This is the first time these teams will meet this year.

Baskets could be hard to come by in this meeting between a pair of the country’s top defenses. UNCG ranks 10th in defensive efficiency (85.3) and East Tennessee State is 47th (90.1).

East Tennessee State Buccaneers at UNCG Spartans Free Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – UNCG, ATS Winner – UNCG, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • UNCG ranks 17th in steals per game (9.4) while East Tennessee State ranks 128th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
  • The Buccaneers rank 31st in rebounds allowed per game (31.4) while the Spartans rank 70th (33.1).
  • UNCG ranks 10th in assists allowed per game (9.1) while East Tennessee State ranks 43rd (10.6).
  • The Spartans rank 18th in three pointers attempted per game (28.5) while the Buccaneers rank 101st (23.5).
  • UNCG ranks 19th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while East Tennessee State ranks 71st (3.0).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Buccaneers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.4, up from 15.6 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 78.2 points per game (4.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 59.6 points per game (1.7 above their season average).