Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs Liberty Flames Pick – 3/15/2025

The Jacksonville State Gamecocks and the Liberty Flames are set to face off in a pivotal Conference USA Tournament game on March 15, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET at Propst Arena. This matchup features the top two seeds in the conference, both aiming to secure the championship title and an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Liberty Flames Game Preview

The Liberty Flames enter this contest as the first seed with a 27-6 overall record and a 13-5 mark in conference play. They have won four of their last five games, including a narrow 81-79 victory over Kennesaw State in the tournament's previous round. In that game, Liberty showcased their offensive prowess by shooting 50.9% from the field and 43.8% from three-point range. Guard Taelon Peter led the team with 13.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this season, contributing significantly to their offensive success.

Defensively, the Flames have been formidable, allowing just 62.3 points per game while holding opponents to 40.8% shooting from the field and an impressive 27.4% from beyond the arc. Their defensive efficiency has been a cornerstone of their success throughout the season.

On the other side, the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, the second seed, hold a 22-11 overall record and a 12-6 conference record. They are riding a two-game winning streak, most recently edging out Middle Tennessee with a 70-68 victory. In that game, the Gamecocks dominated the boards, outrebounding their opponents 36-27. Guard Jaron Pierre Jr. has been a standout performer, averaging 21.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, providing a significant offensive boost for Jacksonville State.

Defensively, the Gamecocks have been solid, conceding 68.3 points per game and limiting opponents to 41.5% shooting from the field and 33.4% from three-point range. Their ability to control the defensive end has been instrumental in their recent successes.

Betting Insights

As of the latest reports, Liberty is favored by 6.5 points, with the over/under set at 131.5 points. The Flames have been strong against the spread (ATS), boasting an 18-9 record, while the Gamecocks are 18-10 ATS. Notably, the total has gone under in 82% of Jacksonville State's games and 20% of Liberty's games this season, indicating a trend towards lower-scoring contests.

In their two regular-season meetings, each team secured a victory. Jacksonville State won the first encounter 72-61, while Liberty took the second game 59-55. Both games went under the total points line, suggesting a pattern of defensive battles between these teams.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs. Liberty Flames Prediction

Considering the recent performances and statistical trends, this game is expected to be closely contested. Liberty's efficient offense and stout defense make them a formidable opponent, but Jacksonville State's resilience and strong rebounding capabilities cannot be overlooked.

Given the adjusted tempos of both teams—Liberty at 65.5 and Jacksonville State at 65.0—it's anticipated that the game will be played at a deliberate pace, favoring defensive strategies. Both teams have demonstrated the ability to limit their opponents' scoring, which aligns with the under trend observed in their previous matchups.

Therefore, the recommendation is to take Liberty to cover the spread, given their recent form and overall performance. Additionally, considering the defensive strengths of both teams and their history of low-scoring games, betting on the under 131.5 points appears to be a prudent choice.

As always, it's important to consider all factors and conduct thorough research before making any betting decisions. This analysis is based on current information and trends, but unforeseen circumstances can always influence the outcome of a game.