Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (0-9) vs Alabama State Hornets (0-3)
Game Info: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 5:30 pm (Harrison Complex)
Betting Odds: Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils +6.5 -- Over/Under: 144 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Alabama State Hornets continues its three-game road trip when they face SWAC foe Mississipi Valley State Delta Devils in Itta Bena (Miss.). This game was originally set for Monday but was moved to Tuesday as a result of inclement weather in Mississippi. The Hornets swept the season series last year and lead the all-time series 45-41. However, the Delta Devils own a 25-15 record versus the Hornets in Itta Bena.
Alabama State (0-3, 0-3 SWAC) began this current road trip with a 91-82 loss to UAPB on Saturday in what was the Hornets’ highest-scoring game of the season. Alabama St. shot 52.9% from the field along with 53.3% (8 of 15) from beyond the arc but the Hornets permitted UAPB to connect on 59.3% of its shots from the field as well as 46.7% (7 of 15) from long-distance. Kenny Strawbridge finished the contest with his first career double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while LaTrell Tate finished with a career-high 17 points.
Strawbridge is the only player averaging double-figures with 12.7 points along with 9.0 rebounds including 3.3 offensive rebounds. DJ Heath contributes 8.7 points and 3.3 steals. Brandon Battle (7.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg), EJ Clark (7.7 ppg), Tate (7.0 ppg), and Jordan Cousin (7.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg) are the other top contributors. Alabama State average 58.3 points on 36.9% shooting from the field, 28.9% from the 3-point line, and 75.4% from the charity stripe. ASU has a -0.7 rebound margin and a -2.4 turnover differential. The Hornets allow 72.3 points on 47% shooting from the field, 40% from the 3-point line, and force 15.3 turnovers.
Alabama State is 0-6 ATS in its last six games. The Hornets are also 0-6 ATS in its last six games versus a SWAC opponent.The under has hit in five of Alabama State’s last six games.
Mississippi Valley State (0-9,0-1) has now lost each of its nine games by 30 or more points. MVSU lost to UAPB 92-52 on Jan 2. This is the Delta Devils' first home game of the campaign. Kam’Ron Cunningham averages 12.9 points and 4.0 turnovers while Devin Gordon contributes 12.3 points along with 2.5 treys and 4.0 rebounds. Terry Collins compiles 12.2 points and 4.2 rebounds. Caleb Hunter totals 9.2 points and 4.2 boards. Mississippi Valley State averages 55.7 points on 32.9% from the field, 31.9% from the 3-point line, and 55.8% from the free-throw line.
MVSU has a -22.2 rebound margin and a -5.3 turnover differential. The Delta Devils allow 99.6 points on 52.8% shooting from the field, 37.8% from the 3-point line and force 12 turnovers.
Mississippi Valley State is 2-7 ATS in its last nine games. MVSU is 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games when playing as the underdog. The under is 6-1 in the Delta Devils last seven games.
Pick: While MVSU is finally playing a team that is similar to its level and, although I don't see this contest to be a 30-point affair, I don't think that the game will be that close. Take Alabama State as the Hornets have been the more efficient team on both ends of the court. Plus, I believe that ASU will control the boards, particularly on the offensive end.