In their final home game of the season, the UT Arlington Mavericks (13-16, 9-9 SBC) host the Texas State Bobcats (19-10, 12-6 SBC) at College Park Center. The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, February 28, 2020.
Texas State Bobcats vs. UT Arlington Mavericks Free Prediction
The Bobcats will be hoping for similar success after beating the Georgia State Panthers in their last game, 86-76. The Bobcats had a fantastically low turnover percentage of 5.1 (better than their season average of 14.9) and had a free throw rate of 0.387 (above their season average of 0.272). Texas State was led by Nijal Pearson, who contributed 18 points and nine rebounds.
The last time the Mavericks played, they were blown out by the Georgia Southern Eagles, 81-61. Georgia Southern’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over UT Arlington. The Eagles had a rate of 0.321 (above their season average of 0.238), while the Mavericks posted a mark of 0.136 (below their season average of 0.221). With 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting, Jabari Narcis was UT Arlington’s leading scorer.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Bobcats lost 64-62. Pearson led both teams with 26 points. The Mavericks’ 32.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Bobcats, who had a mark of 21.9.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball protection could play a significant role in this contest. UT Arlington commits the 36th-fewest miscues in the country (turnover percentage of 16.7 percent), while the gambling defense of Texas State forces the 36th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.6 percent).
Texas State Bobcats at UT Arlington Mavericks ATS Pick
Free Pick: ATS Winner – Texas State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
UT Arlington ranks 59th in three pointers attempted per game (24.9) while Texas State ranks 303rd (15.9).
The Bobcats rank 70th in rebounds allowed per game (33.0) while the Mavericks rank 242nd (37.9).
Texas State ranks 44th in assists allowed per game (10.9) while UT Arlington ranks 150th (12.8).
The Bobcats are 20th in the country with 5.0 steals allowed per game while the Mavericks are 22nd with 5.1 steals allowed per game.
The Bobcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.0, down from 9.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Mavericks have scored an average of 71.8 points per game (1.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (4.7 above their season average).