The Sam Houston State Bearkats (4-7) and the Utah Valley Wolverines (9-4) go head-to-head at UCCU Events Center. The Bearkats look to snap their six-game road losing streak, while the Wolverines attempt to continue their six-game home winning streak. Action begins at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
Sam Houston State Bearkats vs. Utah Valley Wolverines ATS Odds
Both teams easily got past their last opponent. The Wolverines defeated the Westminster (UT) Griffins 96-71, while the Bearkats beat 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. Utah Valley, on the other hand, dominated every stat category in their game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.2 and a turnover percentage of 9.5. Westminster (UT) put up marks of 13.3 and 20.3, respectively, for those same stats. Utah Valley was led by Jake Toolson, who finished with 22 points. Kai Mitchell, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Sam Houston State with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
The Wolverines won the sole game between these two teams last year, 75-64. Utah Valley had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.587 vs. 0.413). Sam Houston State, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (9.1 vs. 14.1). This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Utah Valley figures to have a substantial advantage. The sharp-shooting Wolverines offense ranks 53rd in the country in that metric at 0.553, while the Sam Houston State defense is ranked 199th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.504).
Sam Houston State Bearkats at Utah Valley Wolverines ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Utah Valley, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Utah Valley ranks 43rd in rebounds allowed per game (33.1) while Sam Houston State ranks 154th (35.8).
- The Bearkats average 26.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 56th in the country. The Wolverines rank 108th in three pointers allowed per game (22.8).
- Utah Valley blocks 2.7 opponent shots per game, which ranks 71st in the NCAA. Sam Houston State ranks 99th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
- The Bearkats rank 48th in steals allowed per game (5.6) while the Wolverines rank 133rd (6.5).
- Utah Valley ranks 49th in assists per game (14.8) while Sam Houston State ranks 114th (13.9).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bearkats have scored an average of 74.2 points per game (4.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.0 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
- The Wolverines have been outscored by an average of 5.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Utah Valley has defeated opponents by an average of 5.6 points.
