The Liberty Flames (5-2) will be at home in Vines Center when they take on the UNCG Spartans (4-3). Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
UNCG Spartans at Liberty Flames Odds Preview
In the Spartans last contest, they lost a tough one against the Presbyterian Blue Hose, 74-72. James Dickey had a solid game for UNCG, leading the team in scoring with 18 points on 9-for-11 shooting. Presbyterian had an effective field goal percentage of 0.642 (above their season average of 0.517). UNCG, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.4 vs. 28.6).
The Flames hope to keep it rolling after blowing out the Howard Bison in their last game, 75-55. Liberty’s Scottie James had a good outing, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Liberty played a nearly perfect game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 29.3) and a free throw rate of 0.250 (below their season average of 0.328). Howard recorded marks of 17.6 and 0.176, respectively, for those same stats.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams clash. Liberty ranks 342nd in possessions per game (64.6) and UNCG is 273rd (67.8) since last season. It could also be an error-filled game for the offense of the Spartans, which ranks 289th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.4 percent). They’ll be going up against the stingy defense of the Flames, which has forced the 27th-most turnovers in the NCAA (22.1 percent).
The Spartans won the sole contest against the Flames last season, 72-65. The Spartans dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.500 and a turnover percentage of 17.5. The Flames had marks of 0.288 and 21.5, respectively, for those same stats.
UNCG Spartans vs. Liberty Flames Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – UNCG, ATS Winner – UNCG, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Spartans rank 70th in three pointers attempted per game (23.7) while the Flames rank 136th in three pointers allowed per game (20.7).
- Liberty ranks 18th in assists allowed per game (10.8) while UNCG ranks 69th (11.9).
- Liberty ranks ninth in steals allowed per game (4.7) while UNCG ranks 218th (6.7).
- The Spartans rank 99th in blocks per game (3.8) while the Flames rank 273rd (2.0).
- UNCG ranks 180th in rebounds per game (35.5) while Liberty ranks 323rd (29.3).
