It will be a battle between SBC opponents when the Troy Trojans (9-15, 5-8 SBC) welcome the South Alabama Jaguars (13-11, 6-7 SBC) to Trojan Arena. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, February 7, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
South Alabama Jaguars vs. Troy Trojans ATS Prediction
The Jaguars come in on a high note after beating the Georgia Southern Eagles in their last matchup, 79-69. South Alabama’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Georgia Southern. The Jaguars had a rate of 0.567 (above their season average of 0.515), while the Eagles posted a mark of 0.458 (below the 0.508 mark opponents have averaged against South Alabama this season). With 22 points on 8-for-11 shooting, Trhae Mitchell was South Alabama’s leading scorer.
The last time the Trojans played, they were victorious over the Georgia State Panthers, 84-78. Troy’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Georgia State. The Trojans had a rate of 0.190 (above their season average of 0.190), while the Panthers posted a mark of 0.118 (below their season average of 0.222). Ty Gordon led Troy in scoring with 24 points on 9-for-18 shooting from the field.
After the Jaguars won both contests against the Trojans last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, South Alabama won 68-52. The Jaguars knocked down 15 of their 20 free throws (75.0 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.530 vs. 0.389).
It will be a battle of opposite paces as the up-and-down Trojans will look to push the slower-paced Jaguars. The Trojans currently rank 87th in possessions per game while the Jaguars are 293rd. Also, the Jaguars, who rank fifth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.305), will go head-to-head against the Trojans, who rank 274th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.255).
South Alabama Jaguars vs. Troy Trojans Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Troy, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Troy ranks 41st in three pointers attempted per game (25.9) while South Alabama ranks 272nd (16.5).
The Jaguars rank 79th in rebounds allowed per game (33.6) while the Trojans rank 260th (38.8).
Troy ranks 76th in assists per game (14.3) while South Alabama ranks 235th (10.9).
The Jaguars rank 36th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while the Trojans rank 151st (6.9).
South Alabama blocks 3.6 opponent shots per game, which is ranked 81st in the NCAA. Troy ranks 117th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
The Jaguars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.4, down from 3.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Trojans have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (1.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.6 points per game (5.2 above their season average).
