Expect a shootout when the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (16-12, 10-3 MEAC) and the Savannah State Tigers (13-15, 10-3 MEAC) face off at Moore Gym. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018.
Savannah State Tigers at Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Betting Preview
The last time the Tigers played, they were beaten by the Hampton Pirates, 114-102. With 20 points on 8-for-10 shooting, Jahir Cabeza led Savannah State in scoring. Hampton did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (35-41; 85.4 percent). Savannah State, on the other hand, held the Pirates to an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.3 (below their season average of 30.1).
The Wildcats will look to keep it rolling after narrowly defeating the Morgan State Bears in their last game, 96-95. Bethune-Cookman’s Isaiah Bailey had a good outing, finishing with 28 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Bethune-Cookman’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Morgan State. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.579 (above their season average of 0.494), while the Bears posted a mark of 0.530.
There could be plenty of transition offense in this contest that showcases a pair of the NCAA’s more fast-paced teams. Bethune-Cookman ranks seventh in possessions per game (77.0) and Savannah State is first (84.4).
The Tigers Alante Fenner (24.4 points and 1.2 steals) and Dexter McClanahan (16.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists) have been playing well over their last five games. Meanwhile, the Wildcats have their own duo of hot players. Bailey has averaged 19.6 points, 6.6 assists and 2.0 steals, while Brandon Tabb has averaged 19.0 points, 3.2 assists and 1.6 steals.
This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams, after the Tigers won the sole game last season, 104-91. The Tigers dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a fantastically low turnover percentage of 6.4 and a great free throw rate of 0.306. For those same stats, the Wildcats put up marks of 13.8 and 0.182, respectively.
Savannah State Tigers vs. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats ATS Prediction
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Savannah State, ATS Winner – Savannah State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Tigers rank third in steals per game (9.7) while the Wildcats rank 126th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
- Bethune-Cookman averages 3.8 blocks per game, which ranks 83rd in the NCAA. Savannah State ranks 146th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- Bethune-Cookman averages 41.4 rebounds per game, which ranks fourth in the nation. Savannah State ranks 301st in rebounds allowed per game (47.9).
- The Wildcats average 15.4 assists per game, which ranks 57th in the nation. The Tigers rank 275th in assists allowed per game (20.4).
- Bethune-Cookman averages 24.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 81st in the NCAA. Savannah State ranks 267th in three pointers allowed per game (25.9).
Betting Trends:
- The Wildcats average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.8, up from 1.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 99.0 points per game (12.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 99.6 points per game (4.7 above their season average).