The Manhattan Jaspers (2-0) and the UMKC Kangaroos (1-3) square off in the Gulf Coast Showcase at Germain Arena. The games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 149 points with Manhattan set as a 6-point favorite. Tip-off is set for 11 a.m. ET on Monday, November 20, 2017.
UMKC Kangaroos vs. Manhattan Jaspers Odds Preview
The Kangaroos fell to the Loyola Chicago Ramblers in their last contest, 66-56. With 16 points on 5-for-11 shooting, Broderick Robinson led UMKC in scoring. Loyola Chicago held the Kangaroos to an effective field goal percentage of 0.373 (below their season average of 0.427). UMKC, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.9 (above their season average of 18.8).
In the Jaspers last matchup, they beat the Harvard Crimson, 73-69. Manhattans Calvin Crawford had a good game, finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Manhattan dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a great effective field goal percentage of 0.588 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.7. Harvard recorded marks of 0.458 and 13.5, respectively, for those same stats.
There should be plenty of transition offense in this matchup that showcases two of the NCAAs more fast-breaking teams. Manhattan ranks 54th in possessions per game (72.6) and UMKC is 23rd (73.9) dating back to the 2016-17 season.
The Kangaroos have had a mediocre 18-19 straight up (SU) record since last season, but have struggled covering the spread (3-4 against the spread (ATS)). UMKC games have had a tendency to go under the O/U total since last season (57.1 percent).
The Jaspers, on the other hand, have records of 12-22 SU and 13-17 ATS since last season. Just over half of Manhattans games have finished under the projected point total over that same period.
UMKC Kangaroos vs. Manhattan Jaspers Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Manhattan, ATS Winner – UMKC, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Kangaroos rank 226th in assists per game (12.6) while the Jaspers rank 301st (11.1).
- Manhattan ranks 163rd in blocks per game (3.2) while UMKC ranks 231st (2.6).
- UMKC ranks 51st in three pointers attempted per game (24.5) while Manhattan ranks 228th (19.5).
- The Kangaroos rank 66th in steals per game (7.0) while the Jaspers rank 218th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
- Manhattan ranks 156th in rebounds allowed per game (35.0) while UMKC ranks 276th (38.2).
