It will be a matchup between two superb defenses when the Abilene Christian Wildcats (19-4, 8-2 SthLnd) challenge the Sam Houston State Bearkats (15-8, 10-0 SthLnd) at Moody Coliseum. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. Abilene Christian Wildcats ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Wildcats defeated the Lamar Cardinals 75-64, while the Bearkats beat the McNeese State Cowboys 77-62.
The Bearkats forced 18 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.585 (above their season average of 0.501). Meanwhile, Abilene Christian’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Lamar. The Wildcats had a rate of 12.4 (better than their season average of 16.5), while the Cardinals posted a mark of 16.9. Jaylen Franklin had a solid game for Abilene Christian with 22 points and six rebounds. Kai Mitchell, meanwhile had a good game for Sam Houston State, putting up 14 points and eight rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Josh Delaney led the Bearkats to a 71-68 win. He scored a game-high 30 points. Sam Houston State’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Abilene Christian. The Bearkats had a rate of 0.633 while the Wildcats posted a mark of 0.540.
This showdown pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Abilene Christian ranks 51st in offensive efficiency and Sam Houston State is 58th in defensive efficiency.
Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. Abilene Christian Wildcats Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Abilene Christian, ATS Winner – Abilene Christian, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Sam Houston State ranks 64th in three pointers attempted per game (25.3) while Abilene Christian ranks 269th (18.3).
- The Bearkats average 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 36th in the nation. The Wildcats rank 78th in steals allowed per game (5.9).
- Abilene Christian is 16th in the country with 10.3 assists allowed per game while Sam Houston State is 55th with 11.6 assists allowed per game.
- The Wildcats rank 20th in rebounds allowed per game (31.1) while the Bearkats rank 161st (35.3).
- Abilene Christian ranks 32nd in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Sam Houston State ranks 82nd (3.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.8, down from 11.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bearkats have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (3.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 61.8 points per game (4.4 below their season average).
