The UAB Blazers (4-0) are off to a hot start and will try to stay unbeaten when they challenge the Memphis Tigers (3-1) at Bartow Arena. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 142.5 points with UAB set as a 4.5-point favorite. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 30, 2017.
Memphis Tigers vs. UAB Blazers Betting Preview
In the Tigers last contest, they barely escaped the Northern Kentucky Norse, 76-74. With 15 points and six assists, Jeremiah Martin played well for Memphis. The Tigers had a much better free throw rate (0.304 vs. 0.148) and held the Norse to an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.6 (below the 34.4 mark opponents have averaged against Memphis this season).
The Blazers will look to keep it rolling after thoroughly outplaying the Mississippi College Choctaws in their last game, 90-53. UAB was lifted by William Lee, who led the team in scoring with 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting. UAB played a perfect game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.344 (above their season average of 0.303) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.4 (above their season average of 38.0). For those same stats, Mississippi College had marks of 0.048 and 14.3, respectively.
Memphis should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, Memphis ranks 56th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.0 percent), while UAB has forced the 91st-fewest turnovers (17.7 percent).
The Tigers have had a solid 22-14 straight up (SU) record since last season, but are just 13-16-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Memphis games since last season with 16 overs compared to 14 unders.
The Blazers are 21-16 SU since last season, but are just 11-21 ATS. Games featuring UAB have had a tendency to go under the O/U total over that same period (62.5 percent).
The Tigers won the lone contest against the Blazers last season, 62-55. The Tigers played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 10.6 and a great free throw rate of 0.286. For those same stats, the Blazers had marks of 18.3 and 0.232, respectively.
Memphis Tigers at UAB Blazers Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – UAB, ATS Winner – Memphis, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Tigers rank 86th in steals per game (6.8) while the Blazers rank 250th (5.2).
- UAB ranks 291st in three pointers attempted per game (17.8) while Memphis ranks 245th in three pointers allowed per game (22.9).
- UAB averages 4.9 blocks per game, which ranks 31st in the NCAA. Memphis ranks 223rd in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
- The Blazers average 15.8 assists per game, which ranks 34th in the NCAA. The Tigers rank 200th in assists allowed per game (13.7).
- UAB ranks 34th in rebounds allowed per game (32.2) while Memphis ranks 199th (35.9).
