It figures to be a low-scoring affair as the Sacramento State Hornets (10-5, 3-3 BigSky) head to Southern Utah to take on the Thunderbirds (10-6, 3-2 BigSky). The game gets underway at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Sacramento State Hornets vs. Southern Utah Thunderbirds ATS Odds
Both teams lost in their last outing. The Thunderbirds lost a close one to the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks, 75-72, while the Hornets got blown out by the Northern Colorado Bears, 71-52.
Sacramento State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 25.9) while Southern Utah had an effective field goal percentage of 0.663 (above their season average of 0.511). Cameron Oluyitan fueled Southern Utah with 22 points. Sacramento State received a boost from Joshua Patton, who finished with 17 points, seven blocks and five rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Hornets won the most recent game 84-73. Sacramento State was successful at getting and making free throws. The Hornets made 25 of their 30 free throws (83.3 percent), while the Thunderbirds were 16-21 (76.2 percent). This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.
Baskets could be hard to come by as two of the nation’s top defenses clash. Southern Utah currently ranks 26th in defensive efficiency (89.3) and Sacramento State is 11th (86.0). Furthermore, the Hornets, who rank 52nd in offensive rebounding percentage (33.1 percent), will face a difficult challenge against the Thunderbirds, who rank 24th in defensive rebounding percentage (77.0 percent).
Sacramento State Hornets vs. Southern Utah Thunderbirds Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Southern Utah, ATS Winner – Sacramento State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Sacramento State ranks 36th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Southern Utah ranks 117th (3.8).
- The Hornets rank 15th in assists allowed per game (9.6) while the Thunderbirds rank 37th (10.5).
- Sacramento State is 28th in the nation with 31.3 rebounds allowed per game while Southern Utah is 38th with 31.9 rebounds allowed per game.
- The Thunderbirds rank 212th in three pointers attempted per game (19.4) while the Hornets rank 282nd (13.9).
- Sacramento State ranks 39th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while Southern Utah ranks 101st (6.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Hornets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, down from 7.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Thunderbirds have scored an average of 68.6 points per game (5.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (0.8 above their season average).
