Saint Louis Billikens (12-5) vs UMass Minutemen (7-5)
Game Info: Monday, March 1, 2021 at 6:00 pm (Chaifetz Arena)
Betting Odds: Saint Louis Billikens -10.5 -- Over/Under: 146.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The UMass Minutemen will travel to Chaifetz Arena to take on the Saint Louis Billikens this Monday night in College Basketball action.
The UMass Minutemen had their 2-game winning streak snapped and dropped to 7-5 on the season after being defeated by the Richmond Spiders, 79-65, this past Tuesday night. UMass struggled from beyond the arc and the Minutemen could not fight back after Richmond took a 59-41 lead with 12:23 left in regulation. UMass shot 43.6% from the field and 25.9% from beyond the arc while Richmond shot 47.5% from the field and 35.0% from beyond the arc. UMass was outrebounded by Richmond by a 37-31 margin and lost the turnover battle by a 13-6 margin. Leading the way for the Minutemen was Dyondre Dominguez who had 15 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, & 1 block in 18 minutes from off the bench.
On the season, UMass is averaging 76.8 ppg on 41.6% shooting from the field. The Minutemen are averaging 8.6 three-pointers per game on 31.9% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, UMass has been led by Tre Mitchell (18.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.0 spg, 1.4 bpg), Carl Pierre (13.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.1 spg), Noah Fernandes (11.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.9 apg, 1.7 spg), & Javohn Garcia (10.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.4 spg).
Defensively, UMass is allowing their opponents to average 72.1 ppg on 46.3% shooting from the field. The Minutemen have a rebound margin of -1.6 and a turnover margin of 2.9.
The Saint Louis Billikens improved to 12-5 on the season after defeating the Richmond Spiders, 72-67, this past Friday night. Saint Louis allowed Richmond to fight back to take a lead in the 2nd half after going into halftime with a 33-24 lead, however, the Billikens defense was solid down the stretch and was able to pull away after taking a 68-62 lead with 2:18 left in regulation. Saint Louis shot 51.9% from the field and 54.5% from beyond the arc while Richmond shot 44.2% from the field and 50.0% from beyond the arc. Saint Louis outrebounded Richmond by a 41-21 margin and forced 8 turnovers in the victory. Leading the way for the Billikens was Hasahn French who had 15 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, & 3 blocks.
On the season, Saint Louis is averaging 75.9 ppg on 46.5% shooting from the field. The Billikens are averaging 6.8 three-pointers per game on 34.7% shooting from beyond the arc. Offensively, Saint Louis has been led by Javonte Perkins (16.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.1 apg), Jordan Goodwin (14.6 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.8 spg), Hasahn French (8.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.3 bpg), & Yuri Collins (4.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 6.2 apg, 1.3 spg).
Defensively, Saint Louis is holding their opponents to an average of 64.7 ppg on 41.0% shooting from the field. The Billikens have a rebound margin of 9.5 and a turnover margin of 1.8.
The Minutemen are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 Monday games, however, are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games vs. a team with a winning % above .600. The Billikens are 6-1-2 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record and 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 home games.
UMass looked a bit sluggish, especially on the offensive end, in their first game in two weeks against Richmond, however, this s still a very good basketball team that comes into this game ranked 60th in scoring offense, 61st in three-pointers made per game, & 35th in turnover margin. Saint Louis is strong on both ends of the court and although their offense can struggle at times, the Billikens have dominated teams defensively and come into this game with an 11-1 home record. Saint Louis is the better team, however, UMass has a bunch of talent, and as I think the Minutemen offense can keep this one somewhat competitive, I think the play here is to take UMass and the points. Good Luck!
Brett’s Pick UMass Minutemen +10.5
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
Follow Brett Nault on Twitter @BrettCU05