MEAC foes will clash when the Florida A&M Rattlers (7-23, 6-8 MEAC) go head-to-head with the South Carolina State Bulldogs (10-19, 6-8 MEAC) at Al Lawson Center. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET on Monday, February 26, 2018.
South Carolina State Bulldogs at Florida A&M Rattlers Betting Preview
The Bulldogs won big over the North Carolina Central Eagles in their last outing, 102-79. Donte Wright was the game’s leading scorer with 29 points on 11-for-18 shooting. South Carolina State dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.317 (above their season average of 0.234) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.692 (above their season average of 0.469). North Carolina Central recorded marks of 0.219 and 0.508, respectively, for those same stats.
In the Rattlers’ last matchup, they defeated the North Carolina A&T Aggies, 83-77. With 22 points on 10-for-15 shooting, Desmond Williams was the top scorer from either team. The Rattlers had a turnover percentage of 10.9 (better than their season average of 18.2) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.588 (above their season average of 0.470).
This contest should be a matchup of conflicting paces. South Carolina State likes to play fast (42nd in possessions per game), while Florida A&M likes to grind-it-out (150th in possessions per game).
Wright has been playing at a high level over the last five games for South Carolina State, averaging 13.4 points per game.
This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Bulldogs won both contests played against each other last season. In the last contest, South Carolina State won 82-78. The Bulldogs’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Rattlers. South Carolina State had a rate of 35.3, while Florida A&M posted a mark of 30.3.
South Carolina State Bulldogs at Florida A&M Rattlers Prediction
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – South Carolina State, ATS Winner – South Carolina State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Rattlers average 3.2 blocks per game, which ranks 128th in the nation. The Bulldogs rank 166th in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
- Florida A&M ranks 104th in three pointers allowed per game (20.8) while South Carolina State ranks 229th (23.9).
- The Bulldogs average 34.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 181st in the nation. The Rattlers rank 278th in rebounds allowed per game (38.8).
- Florida A&M ranks 194th in assists allowed per game (14.3) while South Carolina State ranks 248th (15.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Rattlers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 11.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (2.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 80.6 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
