The Oakland Golden Grizzlies (5-9, 1-0 Hor) will be at the Beeghly Physical Education Center to square off with the Youngstown State Penguins (4-10, 0-1 Hor) in a Hor matchup. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 30, 2018.
Oakland Golden Grizzlies vs. Youngstown State Penguins ATS Odds
Both teams fell in their last outing. The Penguins lost to the Pittsburgh Panthers, 69-53, while the Golden Grizzlies lost a winnable game to the Toledo Rockets, 87-86.
Oakland had a much better turnover percentage (5.1 vs. 17.6) while Youngstown State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.6 vs. 34.3). Kendale Hampton had a solid performance for Youngstown State, putting up 15 points. Xavier Hill-Mais, meanwhile fueled Oakland with 30 points and nine rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the most recent contest, the Penguins won 75-73. The Penguins’ 7.4 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Golden Grizzlies, who had a rate of 23.0. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Hill-Mais has been excellent as of late for Oakland, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
This game should be a matchup of contrasting styles. Youngstown State has preferred to play quickly (43rd in possessions per game), while Oakland has been more half-court-oriented (279th in possessions per game). Moreover, the Golden Grizzlies’ 38th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 114.8) will try to take advantage of the Penguins’ 311th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 109.5).
Oakland vs. Youngstown State Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Youngstown State, ATS Winner – Youngstown State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Youngstown State ranks 21st in rebounds per game (41.3) while Oakland ranks 251st (29.4).
- The Golden Grizzlies rank 42nd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Penguins rank 81st (3.4).
- The Golden Grizzlies average 18.2 assists per game, which ranks 12th in the NCAA. The Penguins rank 150th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
- Oakland ranks 44th in three pointers allowed per game (19.9) while Youngstown State ranks 177th (24.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Penguins have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (1.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 80.0 points per game (1.4 below their season average).
- The Golden Grizzlies have outscored opponents by an average of 6.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Oakland has lost by an average of 2.3 points.
