The No. 24 Florida State Seminoles (8-1) will be at home in Donald L. Tucker Center when they clash with the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (7-4). Florida State opened as a 22-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 139 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 21, 2017.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Florida State Seminoles Betting Preview
In the Golden Eagles last contest, they were victorious over the William Carey Crusaders, 75-58. Cortez Edwards was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 9-for-15 shooting. Southern Miss dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a great turnover percentage of 8.7 (better than their season average of 11.8) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.469 (below their season average of 0.529). For those same stats, William Carey was 22.4 and 0.418, respectively.
The Seminoles will look to maintain momentum after defeating the Charleston Southern Buccaneers in their last matchup, 69-58. Florida State received a boost from Terance Mann, who contributed 17 points, seven assists and six rebounds. Florida State dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a turnover percentage of 15.6 (worse than their season average of 15.6) and a free throw rate of 0.192 (below their season average of 0.216). Charleston Southern was 24.3 and 0.138, respectively, for those same stats.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Florida State figures to have a considerable edge. Since last season, the Seminoles defense ranks 19th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.470), while the Southern Miss offense ranks 296th in effective field goal percentage (0.476). Also, the Golden Eagles, who rank 273rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.210), will clash against the Seminoles, who rank 35th in opponents FTA rate (0.247).
Of Southern Miss 6 games that accepted bets, three have finished over the projected point total, while 5 of Florida States 9 games have finished under the projected point total. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Seminoles have a clear advantage. They are 8-1 SU and 6-2-1 ATS, while the Golden Eagles are 7-4 SU and 3-3 ATS.
Edwards has taken his game to another level over the last five games for Southern Miss, averaging 19.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game.
The Seminoles won the lone game against the Golden Eagles last season, 98-49. The Seminoles played a nearly perfect game. They had an extraordinary effective field goal percentage of 0.717 and a free throw rate of 0.200. For those same stats, the Golden Eagles were 0.341 and 0.095, respectively.
Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Florida State Seminoles Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Florida State, ATS Winner – Southern Miss, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Seminoles rank 28th in assists allowed per game (11.8) while the Golden Eagles rank 157th (14.2).
- Florida State ranks 133rd in three pointers attempted per game (19.9) while Southern Miss ranks 219th in three pointers allowed per game (24.9).
- Florida State ranks seventh in blocks per game (5.4) while Southern Miss ranks 188th (2.0).
- The Seminoles rank 39th in rebounds per game (38.3) while the Golden Eagles rank 202nd (33.9).
- Florida State ranks 27th in steals per game (7.6) while Southern Miss ranks 166th (5.4).
