The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (5-1) and the Vanderbilt Commodores (3-5), who both like to play slow, will face off at Memorial Gym. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 139.5 points with Vanderbilt set as a 3-point favorite. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 6, 2017.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders vs. Vanderbilt Commodores ATS Preview
The Blue Raiders beat the FGCU Eagles in their last matchup, 81-76. Nick King was the games leading scorer with 32 points on 11-for-21 shooting. Middle Tennessee out-rebounded FGCU. The Blue Raiders had more offensive rebounds (15 vs. seven), defensive rebounds (27 vs. 21) and total rebounds (42 vs. 28).
The last time the Commodores played, they were topped by the Kansas State Wildcats, 84-79. Jeff Roberson was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 6-for-8 shooting. Kansas State had a turnover percentage of 10.4 (better than their season average of 14.7). Vanderbilt, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 50.0 (above their season average of 28.1).
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams square off. Vanderbilt ranks 308th in possessions per game (66.7) and Middle Tennessee is 307th (66.7) dating back to the 2016-17 season. Furthermore, the Blue Raiders rank 28th in turnover percentage (16.3 percent), while the Commodores rank 332nd in opponents’ turnover percentage (15.9 percent).
Games including these teams have typically gone under the projected point total. Middle Tennessee games have gone under 66.7 percent of the time, while Vanderbilt games have finished under 71.4 percent of the time. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Blue Raiders have a substantial advantage. They are 5-1 SU and 2-1 ATS, while the Commodores are 3-5 SU and 0-7 ATS.
The Blue Raiders won the sole game against the Commodores last season, 71-48. The Blue Raiders dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an absurdly low turnover percentage of 8.3 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.0. For those same stats, the Commodores were 18.1 and 13.5, respectively.
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Vanderbilt Commodores Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Vanderbilt, ATS Winner – Middle Tennessee, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Blue Raiders rank 10th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Commodores rank 77th (3.0).
- Middle Tennessee ranks 28th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Vanderbilt ranks 47th (11.4).
- Vanderbilt ranks 27th in three pointers attempted per game (25.7) while Middle Tennessee ranks 298th (17.6).
- The Blue Raiders rank 82nd in steals per game (6.9) while the Commodores rank 293rd (4.3).
- Middle Tennessee ranks 11th in rebounds allowed per game (30.3) while Vanderbilt ranks 103rd (34.1).
