A defensive battle should be expected when the Duquesne Dukes (17-5, 7-3 A10) and the St. Bonaventure Bonnies (15-8, 7-3 A10) face off at UPMC Events Center. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020, and will air on NBC Sports Network.
St. Bonaventure Bonnies at Duquesne Dukes Free Prediction
In the Bonnies’ last contest, they thoroughly outplayed the George Washington Colonials, 72-47. The Bonnies, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 31.3, had a ridiculous mark of 40.6 and had a turnover percentage of 9.6 (better than their season average of 15.8). With 21 points on 7-for-14 shooting, Jaren English was the top scorer from either team.
The Dukes beat the Saint Louis Billikens in their last matchup, 82-68. The Dukes made 19 of their 23 free throws (82.6 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.7 (above their season average of 29.7). Marcus Weathers was the game’s leading scorer with 26 points on 7-for-14 shooting from the field.
After the Bonnies won both matchups against the Dukes last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, St. Bonaventure won 68-47. St. Bonaventure made five of their 11 three pointers (45.5 percent). Duquesne was, meanwhile, 7-28 (25.0 percent).
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Duquesne ranks 272nd in possessions per game (67.4) and St. Bonaventure is 325th (65.7). Furthermore, the Bonnies, who rank 272nd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.200), could struggle to get to the line against the Dukes, who rank 53rd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.181).
St. Bonaventure Bonnies vs. Duquesne Dukes Betting Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Duquesne, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Duquesne ranks 89th in three pointers attempted per game (23.8) while St. Bonaventure ranks 226th (19.5).
The Dukes rank seventh in blocks per game (5.8) while the Bonnies rank 94th (3.5).
Duquesne averages 14.1 assists per game, which ranks 82nd in the NCAA. St. Bonaventure ranks 154th in assists allowed per game (13.0).
The Bonnies rank 44th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while the Dukes rank 105th (6.4).
The Bonnies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 4.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Dukes have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.0 points per game (8.3 above their season average).
