The Alcorn State Braves (10-18, 6-9 SWAC) look to snap the five-game winning streak of Southern University when they welcome the Jaguars (14-14, 10-5 SWAC) to David L. Whitney Gymnasium. Action gets underway at 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018.
Southern University Jaguars at Alcorn State Braves Free Preview
The last time the Jaguars played, they were victorious over the Alabama A&M Bulldogs, 60-50. Jared Sam was Southern University’s leading scorer with 20 points on 8-for-16 shooting. Southern University played a nearly perfect game. They had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 40.5 (above their season average of 33.0) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.440 (below their season average of 0.446). For those same stats, Alabama A&M was 27.9 and 0.356, respectively.
The Braves are trying to rebound after their 82-62 loss to the Alabama State Hornets in their last outing. A.J. Mosby led Alcorn State in scoring with 18 points on 6-for-18 shooting. Alabama State had an effective field goal percentage of 0.602 (above their season average of 0.461). Alcorn State, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of converting from the charity stripe (13-16; 81.3 percent).
The offensive glass could be a major advantage for Southern University in this matchup. The Jaguars are among the nations elite on the offensive glass, ranking 57th in offensive rebounding percentage at 33.3 percent. Meanwhile, Alcorn State ranks 302nd in the nation at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 68.1 percent.
Both teams have had a player trending in the right direction over their last five games. For the Jaguars, it’s been Sam, who has averaged 18.4 points and 10.8 rebounds, while the Braves have received solid contributions from Mosby (21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.6 steals).
These teams have already met once this season. The Jaguars won 61-48. The Jaguars played a nearly flawless game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.462 and an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 36.1. The Braves were 0.305 and 30.2, respectively, for those same stats. Sam put up a double-double in the victory with 13 points and 15 rebounds.
Southern University Jaguars at Alcorn State Braves Odds Prediction
Prediction: SU Winner – Alcorn State, ATS Winner – Alcorn State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Southern University ranks 23rd in rebounds per game (39.3) while Alcorn State ranks 242nd in rebounds allowed per game (37.2).
- The Braves rank 136th in three pointers attempted per game (22.4) while the Jaguars rank 295th (16.0).
- Alcorn State ranks 187th in assists per game (12.9) while Southern University ranks 259th (11.1).
Betting Trends:
- The Braves have outscored opponents by an average of 5.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Alcorn State has been defeated by an average of 4.1 points.
- During their last five games, the Jaguars have scored an average of 64.6 points per game (3.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 58.4 points per game (12.4 below their season average).
