The McNeese State Cowboys (10-16, 6-9 SthLnd) welcome the Houston Baptist Huskies (6-22, 2-13 SthLnd) to Burton Coliseum as they attempt to end their five-game home losing streak. Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018.
Houston Baptist Huskies at McNeese State Cowboys ATS Preview
In the Huskies last matchup, they were beaten by the Lamar Cardinals, 87-73. Houston Baptist’s Edward Hardt had a good game, putting up 16 points and seven rebounds. Lamar did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (17-19; 89.5 percent). Houston Baptist, meanwhile, held the Cardinals to an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.2 (below their season average of 33.6).
The Cowboys are trying to rebound after their 96-79 loss to the Nicholls Colonels in their last matchup. Stephen Ugochukwu was McNeese State’s leading scorer with 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting. Nicholls had a turnover percentage of 9.9 (better than their season average of 17.7). McNeese State, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (19-24; 79.2 percent).
There could be a fair amount of transition action in this contest that showcases a pair of the NCAA’s more fast-paced teams. McNeese State ranks 37th in possessions per game (73.2) and Houston Baptist is 13th (75.3). Moreover, the Huskies, who rank 13th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.8 percent), will go head-to-head against the Cowboys, who rank 269th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.5 percent).
Quatarrius Wilson has been solid over the last five games for McNeese State, averaging 15.0 rebounds and 14.4 points per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The Cowboys won 86-81. The Cowboys played a nearly perfect game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.281 and a turnover percentage of 10.5. The Huskies put up marks of 0.232 and 11.9, respectively, for those same stats. In the loss, David Caraher had a double-double with 30 points and 12 rebounds.
Houston Baptist Huskies vs. McNeese State Cowboys Free Prediction
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – McNeese State, ATS Winner – McNeese State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Huskies rank 92nd in steals per game (6.7) while the Cowboys rank 132nd in steals allowed per game (6.5).
- Houston Baptist ranks 21st in rebounds per game (39.5) while McNeese State ranks 271st in rebounds allowed per game (38.5).
- The Cowboys average 4.6 blocks per game, which ranks 33rd in the nation. The Huskies rank 200th in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
- Houston Baptist ranks 124th in assists per game (14.0) while McNeese State ranks 255th (11.2).
Betting Trends:
- The Cowboys average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.0, up from 1.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 75.0 points per game (1.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 87.4 points per game (3.3 above their season average).
