The Saint Peter’s Peacocks (0-2) and the Sacred Heart Pioneers (0-2) square off in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Springfield at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 133 points with Saint Peter’s opening as a 7-point favorite. Action begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 18, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
Sacred Heart Pioneers vs. Saint Peter’s Peacocks Free Preview
In the Pioneers last matchup, they were blown out by the Boston College Eagles, 73-53. With 15 points on 6-for-14 shooting, Joseph Lopez was Sacred Heart’s high scorer. Boston College had a much better turnover percentage (6.1 vs. 22.9). Sacred Heart, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 21.3).
The Peacocks are trying to rebound after their 75-66 loss to the No. 20 Northwestern Wildcats in their last game. Nick Griffin was the top scorer from either team with 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting. Northwestern had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.9 vs. 10.7). Saint Peter’s, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (15.2 vs. 22.8).
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Saint Peter’s should have a significant advantage. Dating back to last season, the Peacocks defense ranks 96th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.485), while the Sacred Heart offense ranks 252nd in effective field goal percentage (0.491). It will also be a tale of two tempos as the up-tempo Pioneers rank 54th in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Peacocks rank 346th.
Since last season, the Pioneers have had records of 13-21 straight up (SU) and 1-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has had a tendency to set the total low when Sacred Heart is involved since last season as 100.0 percent of their games have finished over the O/U total.
On the other hand, the Peacocks, are 19-15 SU and 22-10 ATS since last season. Saint Peter’. games have gone under the O/U total 59.4 percent of the time over that same period.
Sacred Heart Pioneers vs. Saint Peter’s Peacocks Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Saint Peter’s, ATS Winner – Saint Peter’s, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Pioneers rank 125th in assists per game (14.1) while the Peacocks rank 232nd (12.4).
- Saint Peter’s ranks 171st in three pointers attempted per game (21.1) while Sacred Heart ranks 259th (18.7).
- Saint Peter’s ranks 34th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while Sacred Heart ranks 268th (8.1).
- The Pioneers rank 71st in rebounds per game (37.9) while the Peacocks rank 298th (32.2).
- Saint Peter’s ranks 71st in blocks allowed per game (2.9) while Sacred Heart ranks 228th (4.1).