The Youngstown State Penguins (1-1) will travel to Koessler Athletic Center to meet the Canisius Golden Griffins (0-2) in their home opener. Canisius opened as a 6-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 172 points. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 18, 2017.
Youngstown State Penguins at Canisius Golden Griffins Free Preview
In the Penguins last game, they easily got past the Franciscan University Barons, 134-46. Michael Akuchie was the games high scorer with 28 points on 11-for-16 shooting. Youngstown State played a nearly flawless game. They had a fantastically low turnover percentage of 8.3 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.7. Franciscan University was 46.7 and 22.2, respectively, for those same stats.
The Golden Griffins are hoping for a better outcome after their 93-79 loss to the Air Force Falcons in their last game. With 14 points and nine rebounds, Spencer Foley had a good outing for Canisius. Air Force did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (38-41; 92.7 percent). Canisius, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (16.7 vs. 17.1).
Canisius should have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Golden Griffins rank 83rd in offensive efficiency, while the Penguins rank 290th in defensive efficiency since last season. Moreover, the Penguins have committed the 13th-fewest errors in the nation (turnover percentage of 15.7 percent), while the disruptive defense of the Golden Griffins has caused the 59th-most (opponents turnover percentage of 20.8 percent).
Since last season, the Penguins have had records of 14-22 straight up (SU) and 12-18 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has had a tendency to set the total low when Youngstown State is involved since last season as 60.0 percent of their games have gone over the projected point total.
On the other hand, the Golden Griffins, are 18-17 SU and 17-16 ATS since last season. Vegas has been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Canisius games over that same stretch with 16 overs compared to 16 unders.
The Golden Griffins won the only game against the Penguins last season, 90-84. One of Canisius largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 25 free throw attempts, while Youngstown State had just 13.
Youngstown State Penguins vs. Canisius Golden Griffins Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Canisius, ATS Winner – Youngstown State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Penguins rank 157th in blocks per game (3.2) while the Golden Griffins rank 270th (2.0).
- Canisius averages 6.6 steals per game, which ranks 113th in the nation. Youngstown State ranks 118th in steals allowed per game (5.9).
- Canisius ranks seventh in assists per game (17.4) while Youngstown State ranks 287th in assists allowed per game (16.2).
- The Golden Griffins rank 46th in three pointers attempted per game (24.7) while the Penguins rank 257th in three pointers allowed per game (23.2).
- Youngstown State ranks 104th in rebounds per game (37.1) while Canisius ranks 287th (32.9).
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