The eighth-ranked Auburn Tigers (8-1) will square off against the UAB Blazers (6-3) at Legacy Arena. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
Auburn Tigers vs. UAB Blazers ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Blazers beat the Mercer Bears 75-67, while the Tigers dismantled the South Alabama Jaguars 101-58.
Auburn played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 14.0 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 50.0. South Alabama was 28.3 and 25.8, respectively, for those same stats. The Blazers, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.537 vs. 0.322) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.8 vs. 25.6). UAB rallied around Zack Bryant, who had 12 points and five assists. Jared Harper, meanwhile had a solid performance for Auburn, finishing with 20 points, 13 assists and five rebounds.
The Tigers won the lone contest between these two teams last year, 85-80. Auburn out-rebounded UAB. The Tigers had 14 offensive rebounds and 35 total rebounds, while the Blazers had nine and 31, respectively.
This has potential to be an error-filled game for the UAB offense. Dating back to last season, UAB ranks 336th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.8 percent), while the gambling defense of Auburn has forced the most turnovers in the NCAA (22.7 percent). Also, the Tigers’ defense should have an advantage in terms of effective field goal percentage. They rank 55th in the NCAA with an opponents’ effective field goal percentage of 0.491, while the Blazers’ offense ranks 272nd in effective field goal percentage (0.534).
Auburn Tigers vs. UAB Blazers Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Auburn, ATS Winner – UAB, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Auburn ranks third in three pointers attempted per game (27.7) while UAB ranks 226th (19.6).
- The Tigers rank second in steals per game (8.0) while the Blazers rank 173rd in steals allowed per game (7.0).
- UAB ranks 15th in rebounds allowed per game (31.1) while Auburn ranks 91st (35.0).
- The Tigers rank 18th in assists per game (14.8) while the Blazers rank 232nd (15.8).
- Auburn ranks second in blocks per game (5.6) while UAB ranks 204th (3.4).
