It will be a matchup between two outstanding offenses when the Sacred Heart Pioneers (4-8) go head-to-head against the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks (7-7) at William Pitt Center – West Gym. The game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 29, 2018.
Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks at Sacred Heart Pioneers Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last game. The Pioneers fell to the Holy Cross Crusaders, 93-81, while the River Hawks were defeated by the Massachusetts Minutemen, 83-75.
Massachusetts-Lowell had a better turnover percentage (13.5 vs. 17.1) while Sacred Heart had a better free throw rate (0.261 vs. 0.190). Sacred Heart was led by Koreem Ozier, who put up 23 points. Christian Lutete, meanwhile had a good outing for Massachusetts-Lowell, recording 17 points and 11 rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Lutete led the River Hawks to a 94-90 win. He recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. One of Massachusetts-Lowell’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 18-21 (85.7 percent), while the Pioneers were just 16-25 (64.0 percent).
Sean Hoehn has taken his game to another level recently for Sacred Heart, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
There could be plenty of transition action in this contest that features two of the country’s more up-and-down teams. Sacred Heart ranks 36th in possessions per game (74.9) and Massachusetts-Lowell is 26th (75.6). Furthermore, the River Hawks’ 48th-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.554) will battle against the Pioneers’ 306th-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.535).
Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks vs. Sacred Heart Pioneers ATS Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Sacred Heart, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Massachusetts-Lowell averages 17.4 assists per game, which ranks 21st in the nation. Sacred Heart ranks 220th in assists allowed per game (17.7).
- The Pioneers average 3.9 blocks per game, which ranks 60th in the NCAA. The River Hawks rank 75th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
- The River Hawks rank 77th in three pointers allowed per game (21.0) while the Pioneers rank 239th (28.0).
- Sacred Heart ranks 46th in rebounds per game (39.4) while Massachusetts-Lowell ranks 139th in rebounds allowed per game (35.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Pioneers have outscored opponents by an average of 4.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Sacred Heart has been defeated by an average of 2.1 points.
- During their last five games, the River Hawks have scored an average of 80.6 points per game (2.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 84.0 points per game (4.3 above their season average).
