The SIUE Cougars (3-10) and the Belmont Bruins (9-4) go head-to-head at Curb Event Center. The Cougars will attempt to end their six-game road losing streak, while the Bruins look to lengthen their five-game home winning streak. Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
SIUE Cougars at Belmont Bruins ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Bruins beat the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 79-62, while the Cougars easily got past the Lindenwood-Belleville Lynx 96-48.
SIUE dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an extraordinary effective field goal percentage of 0.679 (above their season average of 0.461) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.6 (above their season average of 24.0). Lindenwood-Belleville was 0.345 and 22.0, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Belmont’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Western Kentucky. The Bruins had a rate of 0.570 (above their season average of 0.559), while the Hilltoppers posted a mark of 0.394 (below their season average of 0.556). Grayson Murphy fueled Belmont with 11 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Cam Williams, meanwhile had a solid performance for SIUE, contributing 17 points and five assists.
The Bruins won the sole contest between these two teams last season, 97-75. The Bruins’ 26.9 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over the Cougars, who had a mark of 10.7. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Belmont figures to have a substantial edge. The elite Bruins offense ranks 19th in the NCAA in that metric at 0.560, while the bottom-tier SIUE defense is ranked 337th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.523).
SIUE Cougars vs. Belmont Bruins Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Belmont, ATS Winner – Belmont, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Belmont ranks sixth in assists per game (17.9) while SIUE ranks 210th in assists allowed per game (15.8).
- The Bruins rank 98th in steals per game (7.1) while the Cougars rank 123rd in steals allowed per game (6.2).
- The Bruins rank 37th in rebounds per game (39.8) while the Cougars rank 218th (30.8).
- Belmont ranks 17th in three pointers attempted per game (28.4) while SIUE ranks 194th (17.9).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bruins have scored an average of 83.8 points per game (2.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (1.9 below their season average).
- The Cougars’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.8, down from 9.1 for the season.
