Samford Bulldogs vs. Chattanooga Mocs Free Prediction 01/12/19

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The Samford Bulldogs (11-6, 1-3 SoCon) will be at McKenzie Arena to take on the Chattanooga Mocs (7-10, 2-2 SoCon) in a SoCon matchup. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.

Samford Bulldogs at Chattanooga Mocs ATS Odds

Both teams lost in their last contest. The Mocs were blown out by the East Tennessee State Buccaneers, 96-70, while the Bulldogs lost to the Western Carolina Catamounts, 76-69.

Samford forced Western Carolina into a turnover percentage of 23.7 (above the 16.2 mark opponents have averaged against Samford this season) while Chattanooga had a better turnover percentage (16.2 vs. 15.0). Chattanooga was led by Ramon Vila, who contributed 12 points and six rebounds. Myron Gordon, meanwhile had a good game for Samford, finishing with 21 points.

The Mocs edged out the Bulldogs in this series last year, taking two out of three games. In the most recent matchup, Chattanooga won 89-79. Chattanooga out-rebounded Samford. The Mocs had more offensive rebounds (nine vs. three), defensive rebounds (28 vs. 25) and total rebounds (37 vs. 28). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.

Looking at effective field goal percentage, Samford figures to have a significant advantage. The upper-echelon Bulldogs offense ranks 62nd in the NCAA in that metric at 0.544, while the bottom-tier Chattanooga defense is ranked 221st in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.507).

Samford Bulldogs vs. Chattanooga Mocs Betting Pick

Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Chattanooga, ATS Winner – Samford, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Chattanooga ranks 45th in three pointers allowed per game (19.9) while Samford ranks 195th (24.5).
  • The Bulldogs rank 26th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Mocs rank 73rd (3.2).
  • The Bulldogs rank 92nd in rebounds per game (37.3) while the Mocs rank 164th in rebounds allowed per game (36.2).
  • Samford averages 7.3 steals per game, which ranks 65th in the nation. Chattanooga ranks 115th in steals allowed per game (6.7).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Mocs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, up from 0.1 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 76.4 points per game (3.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.2 points per game (11.6 above their season average).