Valparaiso Crusaders vs. UNI Panthers ATS Prediction 02/23/19

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Don’t expect a fast-paced game when the Valparaiso Crusaders (14-14, 7-8 MVC) head to UNI to play the Panthers (13-15, 8-7 MVC). Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN 3.

Valparaiso Crusaders at UNI Panthers ATS Odds

Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Panthers had no trouble getting past the Missouri State Bears 63-43, while the Crusaders won a close one over the Southern Illinois Salukis 55-52.

The Crusaders forced 19 turnovers and held the Salukis to an effective field goal percentage of 0.429 (below their season average of 0.531). The Panthers, on the other hand, had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.465 (above their season average of 0.223) and held the Bears to an effective field goal percentage of 0.327 (below their season average of 0.534). UNI’s Wyatt Lohaus had a solid performance, contributing 22 points and six rebounds. Deion Lavender fueled Valparaiso with 10 points and seven rebounds.

In their first matchup this season, Derrik Smits led the Crusaders to a 75-66 win. He registered a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Valparaiso out-rebounded UNI. The Crusaders had 12 offensive rebounds and 34 total rebounds, while the Panthers had six and 20, respectively.

Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams battle. UNI ranks 329th in possessions per game (65.4) and Valparaiso is 301st (66.6).

Valparaiso at UNI Free Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – UNI, ATS Winner – UNI, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • UNI ranks 98th in three pointers attempted per game (24.0) while Valparaiso ranks 269th (18.2).
  • The Crusaders rank 226th in rebounds per game (33.7) while the Panthers rank 247th (32.8).
  • The Crusaders rank 114th in assists per game (13.9) while the Panthers rank 245th (11.1).
  • UNI ranks 26th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Valparaiso ranks 67th (2.9).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Crusaders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.8, down from 1.7 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 72.2 points per game (5.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.4 points per game (1.6 below their season average).