The Incarnate Word Cardinals (4-3) will be at home in Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center when they meet the UMKC Kangaroos (3-8). Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
UMKC Kangaroos vs. Incarnate Word Cardinals Betting Preview
In the Kangaroos last contest, they got blown out by the North Carolina State Wolfpack, 88-69. With 15 points on 6-for-11 shooting, Aleer Leek was UMKC’s leading scorer. North Carolina State had a much better free throw rate (0.221 vs. 0.118). UMKC, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (11.8 vs. 16.2).
The Cardinals come in on a high note after thoroughly outplaying the Texas Lutheran Bulldogs in their last matchup, 91-63. Incarnate Word’s Jalin Hart was a key piece with 10 points and seven assists. Incarnate Word played a perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.179 (matching their season average) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.590 (above their season average of 0.476). For those same stats, Texas Lutheran was 0.108 and 0.431, respectively.
The physical Incarnate Word offense might be living from the charity stripe in this showdown. The Cardinals rank 28th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.304, while UMKC ranks 217th in FTA rate allowed (0.278) dating back to the 2016-17 season.
Xavier Bishop has really been playing well over the last five games for UMKC, averaging 13.0 points and 3.8 assists per game.
UMKC Kangaroos vs. Incarnate Word Cardinals ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Incarnate Word, ATS Winner – Incarnate Word, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Cardinals average 34.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 212th in the NCAA. The Kangaroos rank 267th in rebounds allowed per game (38.6).
- UMKC ranks 28th in three pointers attempted per game (24.9) while Incarnate Word ranks 179th (20.3).
- The Cardinals average 5.2 blocks per game, which ranks 26th in the nation. The Kangaroos rank 149th in blocks allowed per game (3.0).
- UMKC ranks 44th in steals per game (6.9) while Incarnate Word ranks 151st in steals allowed per game (6.9).
