The UNCG Spartans (13-2, 2-0 SoCon) will be at Cameron Hall to go head-to-head with the VMI Keydets (6-8, 0-2 SoCon) in a SoCon matchup. Action begins at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
UNCG Spartans vs. VMI Keydets Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Keydets had no trouble getting past the Washington College Shoremen 89-56, 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 Keydets, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.235 vs. 0.081) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.537 vs. 0.338). Greg Parham was a key piece for VMI with 11 points and 10 assists. Meanwhile, Francis Alonso played well for UNCG, recording 23 points and six rebounds.
The Spartans dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last matchup, UNCG won 73-51. The Spartans’ 14.6 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Keydets, who had a mark of 31.4. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
The Spartans’ Alonso has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Bubba Parham has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Keydets.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball security could play an integral role in this meeting. VMI commits the 40th-fewest miscues in the nation (turnover percentage of 16.4 percent), while the disruptive defense of UNCG forces the 11th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.9 percent). Also, the 38th-ranked offense of the Spartans (offensive efficiency of 114.8) will square off against the 269th-ranked defense of the Keydets (defensive efficiency of 105.5).
UNCG Spartans vs. VMI Keydets Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – VMI, ATS Winner – VMI, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- UNCG ranks 32nd in assists allowed per game (10.7) while VMI ranks 200th (15.2).
- The Spartans rank 29th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Keydets rank 110th (3.7).
- UNCG ranks 24th in steals per game (8.5) while VMI ranks 98th (6.7).
- The Spartans rank 83rd in rebounds allowed per game (33.4) while the Keydets rank 246th (40.3).
- VMI ranks seventh in three pointers attempted per game (29.3) while UNCG ranks 138th (22.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Keydets have outscored opponents by an average of 10.8 points in their last five games. On the season, VMI has been defeated by an average of 1.5 points.
- During their last five games, the Spartans have scored an average of 85.2 points per game (5.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.4 points per game (4.3 above their season average).
