The Furman Paladins (18-9, 9-5 SoCon) will travel to Pete Hanna Center to meet the Samford Bulldogs (9-19, 5-10 SoCon) in their home finale. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 17, 2018.
Furman Paladins at Samford Bulldogs Free Preview
The last time the Paladins played, they easily got past the Chattanooga Mocs, 75-56. Devin Sibley was the games high scorer with 16 points on 7-for-15 shooting. The Paladins forced 19 turnovers and held the Mocs to an effective field goal percentage of 0.352 (below their season average of 0.521).
The Bulldogs are hoping for a better outcome after their 74-69 loss to the Mercer Bears in their last game. With 15 points, eight assists and five rebounds, Samford’s Josh Sharkey played well. Mercer had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.1 vs. 22.6). Samford, on the other hand, did an excellent job of making free throws (17-20; 85.0 percent).
This has potential to be an error-filled game for the offense of Samford. Samford ranks 211th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.2 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Furman forces the 46th-most turnovers in the NCAA (21.6 percent). Additionally, the Paladins rank 43rd in offensive efficiency (113.1), while the Bulldogs rank 345th in defensive efficiency (114.9).
These teams have already met once this season. The Paladins won 78-67. The Paladins dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 34.4 and a fantastically low turnover percentage of 7.0. For those same stats, the Bulldogs were 8.0 and 16.9, respectively. Matt Rafferty was a top performer in the victory, with 15 points, seven assists and six rebounds.
Furman Paladins at Samford Bulldogs Prediction
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Furman, ATS Winner – Furman, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Paladins rank 179th in rebounds per game (34.8) while the Bulldogs rank 282nd (30.3).
- Samford ranks 30th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Furman ranks 39th (2.7).
- Furman ranks eighth in three pointers attempted per game (29.5) while Samford ranks 282nd in three pointers allowed per game (26.9).
- The Paladins average 16.2 assists per game, which ranks 42nd in the NCAA. The Bulldogs rank 266th in assists allowed per game (19.4).
- Furman ranks 18th in steals per game (8.1) while Samford ranks 158th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
Betting Trends:
- The Bulldogs average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.4, up from 4.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Paladins have scored an average of 79.0 points per game (0.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.2 points per game (3.3 above their season average).
