Expect a low-scoring game when the UNCG Spartans (11-2) go head-to-head with the Samford Bulldogs (10-3) at Pete Hanna Center. Action starts at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 22, 2018.
UNCG Spartans vs. Samford Bulldogs Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Bulldogs defeated the North Alabama Lions 91-74, while the Spartans beat the North Carolina A&T Aggies 74-66.
The Spartans had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (54.3 vs. 41.0) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.523 vs. 0.509). The Bulldogs, on the other hand, had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.664 vs. 0.431) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (32.0 vs. 25.5). Samford’s Ruben Guerrero had a good outing, recording 17 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, UNCG received a boost from Francis Alonso, who put up 23 points and six rebounds.
The Spartans dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent game, UNCG won 88-75. UNCG’s rebounding was their largest advantage. The Spartans had more offensive rebounds (15 vs. four), defensive rebounds (21 vs. 17) and total rebounds (36 vs. 21). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Spartans’ Alonso has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Guerrero has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Bulldogs.
This could end up being a mistake-prone game for the Samford offense. Samford ranks 280th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.8 percent), while the gambling defense of UNCG forces the eighth-most turnovers in the country (25.5 percent). Moreover, the Spartans rank 39th in effective field goal percentage (0.558), while the Bulldogs rank 26th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.446).
UNCG at Samford Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Samford, ATS Winner – Samford, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UNCG ranks 17th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Samford ranks 129th (6.8).
- The Bulldogs average 37.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 64th in the country. The Spartans rank 98th in rebounds allowed per game (34.1).
- UNCG and Samford average 2.5 blocks allowed per game, which ranks 30th in the nation.
- The Spartans rank 121st in three pointers attempted per game (22.9) while the Bulldogs rank 225th (19.6).
- UNCG ranks 31st in assists allowed per game (10.5) while Samford ranks 112th (13.1).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 85.2 points per game (5.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.4 points per game (5.6 above their season average).
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.6, up from 8.3 for the season.
