The No. 15 Miami Hurricanes (9-0) are off to a hot start and will try to stay unbeaten when they square off with the Pittsburgh Panthers (8-5) at Petersen Events Center. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 30, 2017.
Miami Hurricanes at Pittsburgh Panthers ATS Preview
The last time the Hurricanes played, they won big over the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, 75-57. Dewan Huell was Miami’s high scorer with 16 points on 7-for-10 shooting. Miami dominated every stat category in the game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.5 (better than their season average of 14.7) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.0 (above their season average of 29.8). For those same stats, Hawaii was 22.7 and 21.4, respectively.
The Panthers will look to maintain momentum after beating the Towson Tigers in their last outing, 63-59. Pittsburgh’s Terrell Brown played a key role with 12 points and seven rebounds. The Panthers had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 41.7 (above their season average of 25.5) and held the Tigers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.363 (below their season average of 0.557).
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the nations slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Pittsburgh ranks 295th in possessions per game (67.5) and Miami is 266th (65.3) since the 2016-17 season. Ball security should be an advantage for the Hurricanes. They rank 36th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 18.9 percent). Conversely, the Panthers have forced the 54th-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents turnover percentage of 15.2 percent).
The Hurricanes won the sole contest against the Panthers last season, 72-46. Miami had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.648 vs. 0.387). Pittsburgh, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.094 vs. 0.037).
Miami Hurricanes at Pittsburgh Panthers ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Miami, ATS Winner – Miami, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Hurricanes average 6.5 steals per game, which ranks 77th in the NCAA. The Panthers rank 137th in steals allowed per game (5.8).
- Pittsburgh averages 22.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 75th in the NCAA. Miami ranks 112th in three pointers allowed per game (19.6).
- Miami ranks 70th in rebounds per game (36.2) while Pittsburgh ranks 191st in rebounds allowed per game (35.4).
- The Hurricanes rank 36th in assists allowed per game (11.8) while the Panthers rank 133rd (14.6).
- Miami ranks 29th in blocks allowed per game (2.9) while Pittsburgh ranks 99th (3.4).
