The Grambling State Tigers (0-4) are off to a slow start and will try to pick up their first victory when they challenge the Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (3-3) at UTRGV Fieldhouse. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 25, 2017.
Grambling State Tigers vs. Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Free Preview
The last time the Tigers played, they lost to the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, 87-78. Ivy Smith Jr. had a good game for Grambling State, contributing 18 points and five assists. Bethune-Cookman made 12 of their 26 three pointers (46.2 percent). Grambling State, meanwhile, forced the Wildcats into a turnover percentage of 22.9 (above their season average of 18.0).
The Vaqueros are trying to rebound after their 78-68 loss to the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in their last matchup. Nick Dixon was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 6-for-12 shooting. Georgia Tech had a free throw rate of 0.438 (above their season average of 0.367). Texas-Rio Grande Valley, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (17.8 vs. 20.3).
This has potential to be an error-filled game for the offense of Texas-Rio Grande Valley. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, Texas-Rio Grande Valley ranks 287th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.4 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Grambling State has forced the fifth-most turnovers in the NCAA (24.5 percent).
The Vaqueros won the only game against the Tigers last season, 101-93. Texas-Rio Grande Valley launched 36 three pointers, making 17 of them (47.2 percent). Grambling State was, meanwhile, 4-18 (22.2 percent).
Grambling State Tigers at Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Texas-Rio Grande Valley, ATS Winner – Texas-Rio Grande Valley, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Vaqueros rank 40th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while the Tigers rank 209th (3.9).
- Texas-Rio Grande Valley ranks 104th in rebounds per game (37.1) while Grambling State ranks 268th (33.4).
- Texas-Rio Grande Valley ranks 31st in three pointers attempted per game (25.2) while Grambling State ranks 296th (17.4).
- The Tigers rank ninth in steals per game (8.6) while the Vaqueros rank 243rd in steals allowed per game (7.0).
- Texas-Rio Grande Valley ranks 76th in assists per game (15.1) while Grambling State ranks 287th (11.4).
