The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (7-2) and the No. 6 Miami Hurricanes (8-0) battle in the Diamond Head Classic at Stan Sheriff Center. The games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 132 points with Miami opening as a 14.5-point favorite. Action starts at 1 a.m. ET on Friday, December 22, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Free Preview
The Hurricanes defeated the George Washington Colonials in their last game, 59-50. Dewan Huell was the games leading scorer with 15 points on 7-for-12 shooting. The Hurricanes held the Colonials to an effective field goal percentage of 0.333 (below their season average of 0.496) and had a turnover percentage of 11.0 (better than their season average of 15.1).
The last time the Rainbow Warriors played, they topped the Utah Valley Wolverines, 70-69. Hawaii rallied around Sheriff Drammeh, who was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 6-for-13 shooting. The Rainbow Warriors held the Wolverines to an effective field goal percentage of 0.396 (below their season average of 0.554) and had a better turnover percentage (19.6 vs. 20.2).
The offense of Hawaii will face off against the top-notch defense of Miami. Since last season, the Rainbow Warriors rank 256th in offensive efficiency, while the Hurricanes are 80th in defensive efficiency. The Hurricanes should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Games involving these teams have a tendency to finish under the projected point total. Miami games have finished under 75.0 percent of the time, while 60.0 percent of Hawaii games have finished under. The Hurricanes hold a clear advantage in terms of straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records. They are 8-0 SU and 3-0-1 ATS, while the Rainbow Warriors are 7-2 SU and 2-4 ATS.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Hawaii Rainbow Warriors Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Miami, ATS Winner – Hawaii, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Hurricanes rank 82nd in blocks per game (3.9) while the Rainbow Warriors rank 105th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
- Miami ranks 108th in steals per game (6.6) while Hawaii ranks 115th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
- Hawaii allows the 11th-fewest assists per game (10.5) while Miami ranks 58th (11.8).
- The Hurricanes rank 49th in rebounds allowed per game (32.2) while the Rainbow Warriors rank 89th (33.4).
- Hawaii ranks 202nd in three pointers attempted per game (21.5) while Miami ranks 231st (18.8).
