The Maine Black Bears (0-2) and the South Alabama Jaguars (1-2) battle in the Hall of Fame Tip-Off Springfield at Mohegan Sun Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 18, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
South Alabama Jaguars vs. Maine Black Bears Betting Preview
In the Jaguars last outing, they fell to the La Salle Explorers, 81-73. South Alabamas Jordan Andrews put together a good performance, leading the team in scoring with 20 points on 7-for-17 shooting. La Salle had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.4 vs. 16.1). South Alabama, meanwhile, was lights out from beyond the arc (12-27; 44.4 percent).
The Black Bears are hoping for a better outcome after their 83-44 loss to the Texas Tech Red Raiders in their last game. With eight points and five rebounds, Maines Ilija Stojiljkovic played well. Texas Tech had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.596 vs. 0.272). Maine, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (24.4 vs. 22.2).
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Maine offense. Since the 2016-17 season, Maine ranks 212th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.1 percent), while the gambling defense of South Alabama has forced the 18th-most turnovers in the nation (22.6 percent).
South Alabama Jaguars vs. Maine Black Bears Prediction
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Predictions: SU Winner – South Alabama, ATS Winner – South Alabama, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Jaguars rank 221st in assists per game (12.6) while the Black Bears rank 265th (11.7).
- South Alabama ranks 51st in steals per game (7.3) while Maine ranks 248th (5.1).
- The Jaguars rank 96th in blocks per game (3.8) while the Black Bears rank 274th (2.0).
- Maine averages 34.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 217th in the nation. South Alabama ranks 261st in rebounds allowed per game (37.7).
