It will be a showdown between two phenomenal offenses when the Western Carolina Catamounts (15-7, 7-4 SoCon) go head-to-head with the Furman Paladins (19-5, 9-2 SoCon) at Ramsey Center. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020.
Furman Paladins at Western Carolina Catamounts Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Catamounts were victorious over the Samford Bulldogs 78-70, while the Paladins dismantled the Mercer Bears 79-57.
Furman played a nearly perfect game. They had an absurd effective field goal percentage of 0.684 (above their season average of 0.559) and a free throw rate of 0.245 (above their season average of 0.195). For those same stats, Mercer put up marks of 0.392 and 0.167, respectively. Meanwhile, Western Carolina’s 0.525 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Samford, who had a mark of 0.365. The Catamounts’ mark was below their season average of 0.553, while the Bulldogs’ was below their season average of 0.501. Western Carolina received a boost from Carlos Dotson, who had 20 points and 14 rebounds. Jordan Lyons, meanwhile played a key role for Furman with 13 points.
In their first matchup this year, Clay Mounce led the Paladins to an 83-79 victory. He recorded 15 points and eight rebounds. Furman did a great job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (19-25; 76.0 percent). Western Carolina, on the other hand, was lights out from beyond the arc (13-31; 41.9 percent).
This showdown figures to be a shootout as two of the nation’s best offenses square off. Western Carolina currently ranks 47th with 109.7 points per 100 possessions and Furman is 23rd (111.2). Ball security should be an advantage for the Paladins. They rank 51st at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent). Conversely, the Catamounts force the 44th-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.3 percent).
Furman Paladins at Western Carolina Catamounts ATS Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Western Carolina, ATS Winner – Western Carolina, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Western Carolina ranks 57th in rebounds per game (38.5) while Furman ranks 271st (32.3).
- The Catamounts average 14.3 assists per game, which ranks 73rd in the country. The Paladins rank 173rd in assists allowed per game (13.6).
- Furman ranks 47th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while Western Carolina ranks 113th (3.5).
- The Paladins rank 18th in three pointers attempted per game (27.6) while the Catamounts rank 209th in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
- Furman ranks 32nd in steals per game (8.2) while Western Carolina ranks 203rd (5.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Catamounts have scored an average of 72.0 points per game (7.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.0 points per game (1.7 below their season average).
- The Paladins’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, down from 11.8 for the season.
