The New Orleans Privateers (19-12, 14-6 SthLnd) go head-to-head with the Abilene Christian Wildcats (26-6, 15-4 SthLnd) in the Southland Conference Tourney at Leonard E. Merrell Center. The game starts at 9:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 16, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
New Orleans Privateers vs. Abilene Christian Wildcats ATS Odds
Both teams barely escaped their last opponent. The Wildcats defeated the Southeastern Louisiana Lions 69-66, while the Privateers beat the Sam Houston State Bearkats 79-76.
The Privateers had a solid effective field goal percentage of 0.588 (above their season average of 0.493) and had a free throw rate of 0.373 (above their season average of 0.241). Abilene Christian, meanwhile, dominated nearly every stat category in their game. They had a turnover percentage of 17.0 (worse than their season average of 15.6) and a free throw rate of 0.431 (above their season average of 0.241). Southeastern Louisiana had marks of 23.2 and 0.319, respectively, for those same stats. Abilene Christian was led by Jaren Lewis, who contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Troy Green was a key piece for New Orleans with 14 points and five assists.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Abilene Christian (52nd in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 111.3) takes on the stingy defense of New Orleans (57th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 97.7). Ball security could be troublesome for the Privateers. They rank 323rd at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 21.8 percent), while the Wildcats force the sixth-most turnovers in the country (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.6 percent).
New Orleans Privateers vs. Abilene Christian Wildcats Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Abilene Christian, ATS Winner – Abilene Christian, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Abilene Christian averages 8.6 steals per game, which ranks 16th in the country. New Orleans ranks 214th in steals allowed per game (7.7).
- The Wildcats rank 260th in three pointers attempted per game (19.5) while the Privateers rank 309th (16.7).
- Abilene Christian averages 2.8 blocks per game, which is ranked 164th in the NCAA. New Orleans ranks 186th in blocks allowed per game (4.3).
- The Wildcats rank 22nd in rebounds allowed per game (31.5) while the Privateers rank 184th (35.7).
- Abilene Christian ranks 16th in assists allowed per game (10.4) while New Orleans ranks 149th (13.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Privateers have scored an average of 72.4 points per game (0.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.0 points per game (4.5 above their season average).
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.4, up from 11.2 for the season.
