It figures to be a high-scoring affair as the Furman Paladins (11-3, 1-0 SoCon) visit VMI to take on the Keydets (5-9, 0-1 SoCon). Action begins at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 1, 2020.
Furman Paladins vs. VMI Keydets ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Keydets were beaten by the USC Upstate Spartans, 91-82, while the Paladins edged the Mercer Bears, 64-62.
Furman’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Mercer. The Paladins had a rate of 12.3 (better than their season average of 14.2), while the Bears posted a mark of 18.7. VMI, on the other hand, made 14 of their 29 three pointers (48.3 percent). Travis Evee put together a solid outing for VMI with 25 points and five assists. Meanwhile, Jordan Lyons had a good game for Furman, contributing 25 points.
The Paladins dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the last contest, Furman won 96-62. One of Furman’s biggest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They had 28 free throw attempts, while VMI had 18. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Paladins’ Lyons has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 14 points,1.4 steals per game. Meanwhile, Evee has averaged 18 points,1.8 steals during that same time frame for the Keydets.
It might turn into a shootout as two of the NCAA’s premier offenses clash. VMI ranks 57th with 110.1 points per 100 possessions and Furman is 29th (112.5).
Furman Paladins vs. VMI Keydets Free Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – VMI, ATS Winner – VMI, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- VMI averages 16.6 assists per game, which ranks 21st in the nation. Furman ranks 142nd in assists allowed per game (13.1).
- Both of these teams are great at stealing the ball. The Paladins are 28th in the country with 8.8 steals per game while the Keydets are 51st with 7.9 steals per game.
- The Keydets average 30.3 three pointers per game, which ranks fourth in the country. The Paladins rank 115th in three pointers allowed per game (21.6).
- VMI ranks 167th in rebounds per game (35.0) while Furman ranks 242nd (32.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Paladins have scored an average of 79.2 points per game (0.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.6 points per game (6.6 above their season average).
- The Keydets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.8, down from 8.4 for the season.
