The Princeton Tigers (3-6) and the Cal Poly Mustangs (4-6), who both like to play slow, will square off at Robert A. Mott Gym. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 128.5 points with Princeton opening as a 2.5-point favorite. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
Princeton Tigers vs. Cal Poly Mustangs Odds Preview
In the Tigers last contest, they were victorious over the Monmouth Hawks, 69-58. Myles Stephens was the top scorer from either team with 19 points on 7-for-14 shooting. The Tigers forced 20 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.587 (above their season average of 0.524).
The Mustangs are hoping for a better outcome after their 67-53 loss to the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats in their last matchup. Josh Martin was Cal Poly’s leading scorer with 19 points on 8-for-15 shooting. Bethune-Cookman had a much better free throw rate (0.207 vs. 0.091). Cal Poly, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 11.4 (better than their season average of 16.5).
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams clash. Cal Poly ranks 322nd in possessions per game (66.7) and Princeton is 345th (64.8) since the 2016-17 season.
In terms of the O/U total, these teams are complete opposites. Games involving Princeton have gone under 66.7 percent of the time, while 62.5 percent of Cal Poly games have gone over. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Mustangs have a substantial advantage. They are 4-6 SU and 5-3 ATS, while the Tigers are 3-6 SU and 1-5 ATS.
The Tigers won the lone contest against the Mustangs last season, 81-52. Princeton had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (56.0 vs. 26.3). Cal Poly, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (6.1 vs. 18.3).
Princeton Tigers vs. Cal Poly Mustangs Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Princeton, ATS Winner – Princeton, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Mustangs allow the 15th-fewest three pointers per game (15.6) while the Tigers rank 53rd (19.5).
- Princeton allows the 34th-fewest steals per game (4.6) while Cal Poly ranks 37th (4.9).
- Princeton ranks fifth in assists allowed per game (10.3) while Cal Poly ranks 112th (12.9).
- The Tigers rank 38th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Mustangs rank 126th (3.2).
- Princeton ranks 29th in rebounds allowed per game (33.0) while Cal Poly ranks 110th (36.5).
