The VMI Keydets (5-12, 0-4 SoCon) and their outstanding offense visit East Tennessee State to play the Buccaneers (14-3, 3-1 SoCon) and their superb defense. Action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 11, 2020.
VMI Keydets vs. East Tennessee State Buccaneers Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Buccaneers beat the UNCG Spartans, 64-57, while the Keydets were beaten by the Western Carolina Catamounts, 97-85.
The Buccaneers made 26 of their 33 free throws (78.8 percent) and held the Spartans to an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.9 (below their season average of 34.5). VMI, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 8.6 (better than their season average of 16.2). East Tennessee State’s Joe Hugley had a good game, contributing 14 points and nine rebounds. Garrett Gilkeson fueled VMI with 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
The Buccaneers dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent contest, East Tennessee State won 94-70. East Tennessee State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 16.7). VMI, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (14-18; 77.8 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The high-powered offense of East Tennessee State will face off against the porous defense of VMI. The Buccaneers currently rank 16th in offensive efficiency, while the Keydets are 254th in defensive efficiency. The Buccaneers figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball.
VMI vs. East Tennessee State ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – East Tennessee State, ATS Winner – East Tennessee State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- East Tennessee State ranks 38th in assists allowed per game (10.4) while VMI ranks 157th (13.5).
- The Buccaneers rank 39th in blocks per game (4.5) while the Keydets rank 138th (2.7).
- VMI ranks 69th in steals per game (7.6) while East Tennessee State ranks 128th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
- The Keydets rank sixth in three pointers attempted per game (30.3) while the Buccaneers rank 109th (23.1).
- East Tennessee State ranks 30th in rebounds allowed per game (31.2) while VMI ranks 132nd (34.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Buccaneers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 18.6, up from 15.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Keydets have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (0.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 83.8 points per game (14.5 above their season average).
