The Massachusetts Minutemen (7-7, 0-1 A10) will be at Chaifetz Arena to clash against the Saint Louis Billikens (10-4, 1-0 A10) in an A10 matchup. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Massachusetts Minutemen at Saint Louis Billikens ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Billikens defeated the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks 75-65, while the Minutemen beat the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks 83-75.
Massachusetts played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.246 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.557. Massachusetts-Lowell was 0.186 and 0.443, respectively, for those same stats. The Billikens, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.352 vs. 0.138) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.6 vs. 17.6). Saint Louis was lifted by Javon Bess, who contributed 18 points and five rebounds. Carl Pierre, meanwhile had a good game for Massachusetts, putting up 21 points.
The Billikens won the only game between these two teams last season, 66-47. The Billikens’ 59.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Minutemen, who had a mark of 40.0. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Minutemen’s Luwane Pipkins has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Bess has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Billikens.
Saint Louis figures to have an edge on the offensive glass in this matchup. The Billikens currently rank 58th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.1 percent), while Massachusetts ranks 166th in defensive rebounding percentage (72.3 percent).
Massachusetts Minutemen at Saint Louis Billikens Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Saint Louis, ATS Winner – Saint Louis, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Massachusetts ranks 99th in three pointers attempted per game (24.1) while Saint Louis ranks 255th (17.9).
- The Billikens rank 32nd in steals per game (8.4) while the Minutemen rank 165th (5.4).
- Saint Louis ranks 29th in blocks per game (4.8) while Massachusetts ranks 115th (3.0).
- The Billikens rank 42nd in assists allowed per game (11.1) while the Minutemen rank 195th (15.0).
- Saint Louis ranks 42nd in rebounds per game (39.7) while Massachusetts ranks 181st (35.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Minutemen’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.2, up from 2.5 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Billikens have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.0 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
