The Georgia State Panthers (9-4, 2-0 SBC) will be at the Holmes Convocation Center to challenge the Appalachian State Mountaineers (8-5, 2-0 SBC) in a SBC matchup. The game gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
Georgia State Panthers vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Mountaineers were beaten by the North Carolina State Wolfpack, 72-60, while the Panthers had no trouble getting past the Middle Georgia State Knights, 83-53.
Georgia State’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Middle Georgia State. The Panthers had a rate of 0.522 (above their season average of 0.508), while the Knights posted a mark of 0.257 (below their season average of 0.473). Appalachian State, meanwhile, forced North Carolina State into a turnover percentage of 17.6 (above their season average of 14.6). Justin Forrest played well for Appalachian State with 25 points and five rebounds. Georgia State was lifted by Justin Roberts, who finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
The Panthers won the only contest between these two teams last season, 80-75. Georgia State had a much better turnover percentage (7.1 vs. 19.7). Appalachian State, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (27.6 vs. 12.5). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Panthers’ Roberts has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 13 points,3.6 assists,1.8 steals per game. Meanwhile, Forrest has averaged 20 points,3.6 assists,2.4 steals during that same time frame for the Mountaineers.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball protection could play a key role in this showdown. Georgia State commits the 43rd-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 18.5 percent), while the gambling defense of Appalachian State forces the 55th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.0 percent).
Georgia State Panthers vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Georgia State, ATS Winner – Georgia State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Appalachian State averages 37.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 96th in the NCAA. Georgia State ranks 245th in rebounds allowed per game (38.7).
- The Mountaineers rank 47th in steals per game (8.2) while the Panthers rank 30th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
- The Panthers average 21.3 three pointers per game, which ranks 86th in the nation. The Mountaineers rank 227th in three pointers allowed per game (25.4).
- Georgia State ranks 31st in blocks per game (4.9) while Appalachian State ranks 138th (2.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Panthers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.2, up from 9.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Mountaineers have scored an average of 76.4 points per game (6.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.0 points per game (2.2 above their season average).
