The Saint Louis Billikens (11-3, 0-1 A10) will attempt to continue their seven-game home winning streak when they challenge the Massachusetts Minutemen (6-7), who look to snap their five-game road losing streak. The game can be seen on NBC Sports Network at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 5, 2020.
Massachusetts Minutemen vs. Saint Louis Billikens ATS Prediction
The last time the Minutemen played, they were beaten by the Akron Zips, 85-79. One of Akron’s biggest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 29 trips to the line, while Massachusetts went 19 times. Carl Pierre had a solid outing for Massachusetts, recording 23 points and 10 rebounds.
The Billikens lost to the Duquesne Dukes in their last outing, 73-59. Duquesne was effective at getting and making free throws. The Dukes made 20 of their 25 free throws (80.0 percent), while the Billikens were just 7-18 (38.9 percent). Saint Louis’ Hasahn French recorded eight points, 12 rebounds and five assists in the game.
After the Billikens won the only contest against the Minutemen last season, 65-62, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Billikens had a much better turnover percentage (10.4 vs. 24.2) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (38.5 vs. 25.9).
Saint Louis could dominate the offensive glass in this battle. The Billikens rank 24th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.7 percent), while Massachusetts ranks 311th in defensive rebounding percentage (67.6 percent).
Massachusetts Minutemen vs. Saint Louis Billikens Betting Pick
Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Saint Louis, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Saint Louis ranks 20th in rebounds per game (41.4) while Massachusetts ranks 248th (32.2).
The Billikens rank 62nd in assists per game (14.9) while the Minutemen rank 208th in assists allowed per game (15.2).
Saint Louis ranks 57th in steals per game (8.0) while Massachusetts ranks 144th in steals allowed per game (7.4).
The Minutemen rank 24th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Billikens rank 98th (3.5).
Massachusetts ranks 24th in three pointers allowed per game (17.9) while Saint Louis ranks 87th (20.6).
The Minutemen have been outscored by an average of 5.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Massachusetts has defeated opponents by an average of 0.3 points.
During their last five games, the Billikens have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (3.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (3.2 above their season average).
