Mississippi State at Saint Louis - 3/20/21 College Basketball Picks and Prediction
Photo by Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Saint Louis Billikens (14-6) vs Mississippi State Bulldogs (15-14)
Game Info: Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 5:00 pm (Comerica Center)
Betting Odds: Saint Louis Billikens -4.5 -- Over/Under: 137 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Mississippi State Bulldogs will be facing the Saint Louis Billikens in the first round of the NIT tournament this Saturday. This will be the first matchup between the two out of conference foes.
Mississippi State was blown out 85-48 by Alabama in their SEC Quarterfinal matchup, ending their only chance at a trip to the NCAA tournament. They finished the year going 5-5 in their last ten, and 15-14 overall. The Bulldogs have averaged 68.9 points per game, and allowed 66.6 to their opponents. They are shooting 45.1% from the field, 33.5 from deep, and just 64.6% from the line. Mississippi State owns a .89 assist-turnover ratio, and have assisted on 50.3% of their field goals. Iverson Molinar leads the team with 16.6 points, while fellow guard D.J. Stewart has averaged 15.8. Tolu Smith has been a factor from the forward spot with 12.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
Saint Louis won 7 of their last 10 games, but was sent home on a convincing 71-53 loss to the St. Bonaventure Bonnies in the A10 Championship Quarterfinals. Saint Louis was amazing on their home floor, going 12-1, but went just 2-5 otherwise to finish the season 14-6 overall. The Billikens average 75.4 points per game and are allowing 65 to their opponents. They shoot 46.4% from the field, 35.2% from three, and 70.3% from the line. Saint Louis owns an impressive 1.46 assist to turnover ratio, and have assisted on 63.1% of their field goals. Javonte Perkins leads the team with 17 points per game. Jordan Goodwin has been a lead contributor as well with 14.5 points and 10.3 rebounds.
Mississippi State is 16-13 ATS this season, 6-4 ATS in their last 10, and 9-6 ATS as the underdog. Saint Louis is 11-8-1 ATS this season, 5-4-1 ATS in their last 10, and 11-8-1 ATS as the favorite.
Saint Louis has been a story of two teams this season, as they are great at home, and below average elsewhere. This game will be at a neutral site, where Saint Louis is 1-1. The Billikens have benefited from playing against a softer conference, whereas Mississippi St. has been battle tested in a stacked SEC. I do think Saint Louis is the more talented team, but I expect Mississippi State to be up out for redemption after being embarrassed last time out versus Alabama. Give me the Bulldogs to keep this close and cover.
Joe’s Pick Mississippi State Bulldogs +4.5
AUTHOR: Joe Bonomo
