The Western Carolina Catamounts (10-3, 2-0 SoCon) will be at Cameron Hall to take on the VMI Keydets (5-11, 0-3 SoCon) in a SoCon matchup. Action starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 8, 2020.
Western Carolina Catamounts vs. VMI Keydets ATS Odds
In their last game, the Keydets lost a close one to the Samford Bulldogs, 78-75, while the Catamounts were victorious over the Citadel Bulldogs, 86-82.
Western Carolina dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.210 (matching their season average) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.7 (below their season average of 32.0). Citadel was 0.088 and 23.1, respectively, for those same stats. VMI, meanwhile, held Samford to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.5 (below their season average of 29.9). Garrett Gilkeson was a key piece for VMI with 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Western Carolina was lifted by Onno Steger, who had 28 points and eight rebounds.
The Keydets dominated this series last year, taking all three games. In the most recent matchup, VMI won 96-83. VMI did a great job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (25-30; 83.3 percent). Western Carolina, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (24.4 vs. 19.4). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, VMI figures to have a significant edge. The sweet-shooting Keydets offense ranks 46th in the NCAA in that metric at 0.539, while the Western Carolina defense is ranked 213th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.493). It will also be a battle of opposite paces as the fast-breaking Catamounts rank 57th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Keydets rank 289th.
Western Carolina Catamounts at VMI Keydets Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Western Carolina, ATS Winner – Western Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- VMI averages 30.7 three pointers per game, which ranks fourth in the nation. Western Carolina ranks 147th in three pointers allowed per game (22.2).
- The Catamounts average 38.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 71st in the country. The Keydets rank 107th in rebounds allowed per game (34.2).
- The Catamounts average 14.8 assists per game, which ranks 67th in the NCAA. The Keydets rank 144th in assists allowed per game (13.1).
- VMI averages 7.9 steals per game, which ranks 56th in the NCAA. Western Carolina ranks 117th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Catamounts have scored an average of 84.4 points per game (2.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.2 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
- The Keydets have been outscored by an average of 3.8 points in their last five games. On the season, VMI has defeated opponents by an average of 6.1 points.
