The LSU Tigers (7-3) will be at home in Pete Maravich Assembly Center when they take on the North Florida Ospreys (5-7). Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 22, 2017.
North Florida Ospreys vs. LSU Tigers Betting Preview
The Ospreys lost to the Ball State Cardinals in their last outing, 79-65. With 19 points on 9-for-16 shooting, Noah Horchler was the games leading scorer. Ball State had a better free throw rate (0.104 vs. 0.014). North Florida, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 7.8 (better than their season average of 18.9).
In the Tigers last game, they dismantled the Sam Houston State Bearkats, 80-58. LSU received a boost from Wayde Sims, who contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds. LSU played a flawless game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.548 (below their season average of 0.594) and a turnover percentage of 10.0 (better than their season average of 16.1). Sam Houston State recorded marks of 0.377 and 13.3, respectively, for those same stats.
LSU could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their prolific offense faces off against one of the NCAA’s worst defenses. The Tigers currently rank seventh in offensive efficiency, while North Florida ranks 324th in defensive efficiency. It will also be a battle of conflicting paces as the up-tempo Ospreys rank 32nd in possessions per game, while the more methodical Tigers rank 279th.
Both teams have had a player heat up over their last five games. For the Ospreys, it’s been Horchler, who has averaged 12.6 points and 11.6 rebounds, while the Tigers have received solid contributions from Skylar Mays (15.4 points, 3.2 assists and 1.2 steals).
This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams, after the Tigers won the only game last season, 78-70. The Tigers turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Ospreys. LSU had a rate of 16.3, while North Florida posted a mark of 22.4.
North Florida Ospreys at LSU Tigers Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – LSU, ATS Winner – LSU, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Tigers rank eighth in blocks allowed per game (1.8) while the Ospreys rank 146th (4.3).
- LSU ranks 61st in steals per game (7.4) while North Florida ranks 189th in steals allowed per game (9.2).
- LSU ranks 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while North Florida ranks 263rd (41.8).
- The Ospreys rank sixth in three pointers attempted per game (30.3) while the Tigers rank 239th in three pointers allowed per game (25.9).
- LSU ranks 84th in assists allowed per game (12.4) while North Florida ranks 235th (17.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Tigers average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.2, up from 7.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Ospreys have scored an average of 77.8 points per game (0.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 79.2 points per game (6.4 below their season average).
