A seven-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the FIU Golden Panthers (8-2) when they take on the South Florida Bulls (7-2) at Ocean Bank Convocation Center. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 18, 2018.
South Florida Bulls at FIU Golden Panthers Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Golden Panthers had no trouble getting past the Webber International Warriors 110-84, while the Bulls beat the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 80-63.
South Florida played a flawless game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.651 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.5. For those same stats, Alabama A&M put up marks of 0.510 and 31.3, respectively. Meanwhile, FIU’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Webber International. The Golden Panthers had a rate of 14.8, while the Warriors posted a mark of 22.4. Brian Beard Jr. played a pivotal role for FIU with 20 points, nine assists and six rebounds. South Florida, meanwhile, was led by Laquincy Rideau, who had eight points, 10 assists and five rebounds.
The Golden Panthers won the lone game between these two teams last season, 65-53. The Golden Panthers’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Bulls. FIU had a rate of 13.8, while South Florida posted a mark of 21.4.
Beard Jr. and Devon Andrews have played at a high level over the last five games for FIU. Beard Jr. has averaged 0 points, while Andrews has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball security could play an integral role in this showdown. Since the 2017-18 season, FIU has committed the 29th-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 15.8 percent), while the gambling defense of South Florida has forced the 22nd-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 18.3 percent). Additionally, the Bulls have been among the country’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking 33rd in offensive rebounding percentage (30.5 percent). The Golden Panthers, meanwhile, rank 327th at securing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 70.1 percent.
South Florida Bulls at FIU Golden Panthers Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – FIU, ATS Winner – South Florida, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- South Florida averages 34.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 38th in the nation. FIU ranks 262nd in rebounds allowed per game (40.7).
- The Bulls average 5.9 steals per game, which ranks 15th in the NCAA. The Golden Panthers rank 125th in steals allowed per game (5.3).
- FIU ranks 61st in blocks per game (3.4) while South Florida ranks 130th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
- The Golden Panthers rank seventh in three pointers attempted per game (22.2) while the Bulls rank 214th (18.4).
- South Florida ranks 72nd in assists per game (12.5) while FIU ranks 199th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
