Lafayette Leopards vs. Sacred Heart Pioneers ATS Prediction 12/29/19

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The Sacred Heart Pioneers (7-5) will be at home in the William Pitt Center – West Gym when they square off with the Lafayette Leopards (7-3). Action begins at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 29, 2019.

Lafayette Leopards vs. Sacred Heart Pioneers Betting Odds

In their last game, the Pioneers had no trouble getting past the Holy Cross Crusaders, 89-68, while the Leopards lost big to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 63-44.

The Pioneers, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.499, had a superb mark of 0.588 and had a turnover percentage of 11.9 (better than their season average of 17.8). Lafayette, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.056 vs. 0.032). Sacred Heart rallied around E.J. Anosike, who recorded 19 points and 14 rebounds. Justin Jaworski, meanwhile had a good game for Lafayette, contributing 13 points.

The Pioneers won the lone game between these two teams last season, 64-62. Sacred Heart had a better free throw rate (0.190 vs. 0.113). Lafayette, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (12.8 vs. 19.6). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

This game should be a battle of conflicting tempos. Sacred Heart has preferred to play quickly (37th in possessions per game), while Lafayette has been more half-court-oriented (279th in possessions per game). Also, the Leopards rank 313th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.172), while the Pioneers rank 18th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.150).

Lafayette Leopards at Sacred Heart Pioneers ATS Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Sacred Heart, ATS Winner – Sacred Heart, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Sacred Heart ranks 13th in rebounds per game (42.0) while Lafayette ranks 202nd (33.4).
  • The Leopards rank 73rd in three pointers attempted per game (24.4) while the Pioneers rank 165th in three pointers allowed per game (23.3).
  • The Leopards rank 23rd in assists allowed per game (9.7) while the Pioneers rank 211th (16.6).
  • Lafayette ranks 20th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while Sacred Heart ranks 112th (3.9).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Pioneers have scored an average of 84.6 points per game (5.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.8 points per game (4.5 below their season average).
  • The Leopards’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.4, up from 6.3 for the season.