The Sam Houston State Bearkats (6-8, 1-0 SthLnd) visit Farris Center to clash with the Central Arkansas Bears (6-9, 1-1 SthLnd). The Bearkats can snap a seven-game road losing streak. The game gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. Central Arkansas Bears Betting Odds
In their last game, the Bears lost to the Missouri Tigers, 68-55, while the Bearkats easily got past the East Texas Baptist Tigers, 85-64.
Sam Houston State played a perfect game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.9 and a turnover percentage of 14.3. East Texas Baptist was 14.3 and 22.2, respectively, for those same stats. Central Arkansas, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.082 vs. 0.094). Eddy Kayouloud had a good performance for Central Arkansas with 19 points and six rebounds. Kai Mitchell, meanwhile led the way for Sam Houston State, contributing 14 points and 13 rebounds.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the most recent matchup, the Bears won 88-70. One of Central Arkansas’ largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 14-16 (87.5 percent), while the Bearkats were just 6-9 (66.7 percent). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the Central Arkansas offense. Central Arkansas ranks 297th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 21.2 percent), while the pesky defense of Sam Houston State forces the 44th-most turnovers in the country (22.8 percent).
Sam Houston State Bearkats at Central Arkansas Bears Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Central Arkansas, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Sam Houston State ranks 61st in assists per game (15.4) while Central Arkansas ranks 209th in assists allowed per game (15.6).
- The Bears rank 32nd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Bearkats rank 96th (3.4).
- Sam Houston State ranks 74th in steals per game (7.2) while Central Arkansas ranks 95th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
- The Bearkats average 37.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 104th in the nation. The Bears rank 222nd in rebounds allowed per game (38.3).
- Sam Houston State averages 24.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 75th in the nation. Central Arkansas ranks 176th in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bears have scored an average of 79.0 points per game (7.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.4 points per game (1.1 below their season average).
- The Bearkats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, up from 1.9 for the season.
