The SMU Mustangs (2-0) will be at home in Moody Coliseum when they clash against the Northwestern State Demons (0-2). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
Northwestern State Demons at SMU Mustangs ATS Preview
The Demons were beaten by the LeTourneau YellowJackets in their last matchup, 99-84. Northwestern States Ishmael Lane had a good game, contributing 12 points and 12 rebounds. LeTourneau had a much better turnover percentage (12.5 vs. 20.9). Northwestern State, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.3 vs. 20.0).
In the Mustangs last matchup, they thoroughly outplayed the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks, 83-65. SMU was led by Ethan Chargois, who had 23 points and nine rebounds. SMU played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.327 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.635. Louisiana-Monroe had marks of 0.164 and 0.451, respectively, for those same stats.
The prolific offense of SMU will go head-to-head against the bottom-tier defense of Northwestern State. Since last season, the Mustangs rank seventh in offensive efficiency, while the Demons are 307th in defensive efficiency. The Mustangs should have the edge on that end of the court. It will also be a matchup of contrasting tempos as the up-and-down Demons rank 30th in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Mustangs rank 345th.
Northwestern State Demons at SMU Mustangs Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Northwestern State, ATS Winner – Northwestern State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Demons rank 183rd in three pointers allowed per game (21.5) while the Mustangs rank 303rd (25.1).
- SMU ranks 139th in blocks per game (3.4) while Northwestern State ranks 142nd in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
- SMU averages 16.1 assists per game, which ranks 28th in the NCAA. Northwestern State ranks 295th in assists allowed per game (16.4).
- The Mustangs rank fifth in rebounds allowed per game (29.6) while the Demons rank 247th (37.1).
- SMU ranks 27th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while Northwestern State ranks 239th (7.1).
