The Lamar Cardinals (18-11, 10-6 SthLnd) will try to put an end to the five-game winning streak of Stephen F. Austin when they travel to William R. Johnson Coliseum to go head-to-head against the Lumberjacks (23-5, 12-3 SthLnd). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018.
Lamar Cardinals vs. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks Odds Preview
The last time the Cardinals played, they were victorious over the Houston Baptist Huskies, 87-73. With 19 points and nine rebounds, Lamar’s Josh Nzeakor had a good outing. Lamar dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.254 (below their season average of 0.258) and a turnover percentage of 15.7 (worse than their season average of 15.6). Houston Baptist put up marks of 0.134 and 17.7, respectively, for those same stats.
The Lumberjacks hope to maintain momentum after thoroughly outplaying the Central Arkansas Bears in their last outing, 97-62. With 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting, Shannon Bogues was Stephen F. Austin’s high scorer. Stephen F. Austin dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.654 (above their season average of 0.552) and a turnover percentage of 13.7 (better than their season average of 18.6). Central Arkansas put up marks of 0.371 and 20.1, respectively, for those same stats.
Points could be at a premium in this contest between a pair of the nations top defenses. Stephen F. Austin currently ranks 14th in defensive efficiency (94.5) and Lamar is 31st (97.5).
Bogues has taken his game to another level over the last five games for Stephen F. Austin, averaging 23.2 points and 1.2 steals per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The Cardinals won 76-54. The Cardinals played a perfect game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 47.1 and a turnover percentage of 20.0. For those same stats, the Lumberjacks were 20.6 and 25.0, respectively. Nzeakor put up a double-double in the victory with 16 points and 11 rebounds.
Lamar Cardinals vs. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks ATS Prediction
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Lamar, ATS Winner – Lamar, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Lumberjacks average 14.8 assists per game, which ranks 88th in the nation. The Cardinals rank 140th in assists allowed per game (13.4).
- Lamar averages 8.9 steals per game, which ranks seventh in the NCAA. Stephen F. Austin ranks 194th in steals allowed per game (7.5).
- The Lumberjacks rank 35th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while the Cardinals rank 175th (35.2).
- Lamar ranks 129th in three pointers attempted per game (22.6) while Stephen F. Austin ranks 262nd (18.4).
Betting Trends:
- The Lumberjacks average margin of victory in their last five games has been 23.2, up from 13.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cardinals have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (2.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.4 points per game (1.8 above their season average).