The Central Connecticut State Blue Devils (1-19, 0-7 NEC) and the Sacred Heart Pioneers (10-9, 3-3 NEC) battle at William H. Detrick Gymnasium. The Blue Devils will attempt to snap their seven-game losing streak. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 23, 2020.
Sacred Heart Pioneers vs. Central Connecticut State Blue Devils ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last matchup. The Blue Devils lost big to the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights, 83-60, while the Pioneers were beaten by the Robert Morris Colonials, 67-55.
Sacred Heart had a better free throw rate (0.207 vs. 0.111) while Central Connecticut State had a better turnover percentage (15.8 vs. 18.5). Xavier Wilson had a good outing for Central Connecticut State, contributing 12 points. Meanwhile, Sacred Heart rallied around E.J. Anosike, who contributed 20 points and 17 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Anosike led the Pioneers to a 66-55 win. He registered a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Sacred Heart won the rebounding battle. The Pioneers had 24 offensive rebounds and 51 total rebounds, while the Blue Devils had seven and 29, respectively.
Central Connecticut State may have trouble getting to the free throw line in this battle. The Blue Devils currently rank 254th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.201, while Sacred Heart ranks 20th in FTA rate allowed (0.157). Furthermore, the Pioneers, who rank 16th in offensive rebounding percentage (36.0 percent), will try to exploit the Blue Devils, who rank 332nd in defensive rebounding percentage (66.6 percent).
Sacred Heart at Central Connecticut State Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Central Connecticut State, ATS Winner – Central Connecticut State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Sacred Heart ranks 17th in rebounds per game (40.9) while Central Connecticut State ranks 274th (31.3).
- The Pioneers rank 78th in blocks per game (3.7) while the Blue Devils rank 150th in blocks allowed per game (4.4).
- Central Connecticut State averages 6.8 steals per game, which ranks 96th in the country. Sacred Heart ranks 157th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
- The Pioneers rank 113th in three pointers attempted per game (23.1) while the Blue Devils rank 256th (17.8).
- Sacred Heart ranks 104th in assists per game (13.6) while Central Connecticut State ranks 247th in assists allowed per game (16.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Blue Devils’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 17.0, down from 18.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Pioneers have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (5.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.6 points per game (3.3 below their season average).