Alabama State (1-2) vs Lamar (1-2)
November 23, 2024 at 06:30 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Alabama State -2 / Lamar +2 — Over/Under: 148
The Lamar Cardinals and the Alabama State Hornets meet Saturday in college basketball action from James A. Rhodes Arena. Here’s a Lamar vs Alabama State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Lamar vs Alabama State pick. We will examine:
The Alabama State Hornets’ recent form and player performance
The Lamar Cardinals’ recent form and player performance
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Alabama State Hornets
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Lamar Cardinals
Recent betting trends in games played between Lamar and Alabama State
A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Lamar vs Alabama State game
Lamar Cardinals Betting Preview
Lamar managed a blowout win versus an overmatched Paul Quinn team in their opener, taking that one 113-42. The Cardinals would lose their next pair however, facing 97-71 versus Texas A&M and 85-72 versus Sam Houston.
In their game against Akron on Friday, the Cardinals were in trouble with a 35-23 deficit going into the second half. Lamar got better from there on 49 more points but still lost 79-72. Ja’Sean Jackson topped the team in the losing effort with 16 points off the bench.
Alabama State Hornets Betting Preview
Over on the Hornets’ side, they took a pair of losses against tricky teams in their first pair. Those were 93-79 against UNLV in the opener and 74-61 versus LSU in game two. Alabama State got its first win 115-64 over VA Lynchburg on November 18.
Matched up against Omaha in Friday’s game, the Hornets were up 41-34 by halftime. Alabama State kept it up in the second with a 44-33 run for an 85-67 blowout win. Tops in scoring was Amarr Knox on 19 points with three assists and two steals.
Why the Lamar Cardinals will win
- Alabama State has lost 27 of its last 32 games against non-Conference opponents.
- Lamar has won four of its last five games played at neutral venues.
- Alabama State has lost the first half in 28 of its last 33 night games against non-Conference opponents.
Why the Alabama State Hornets will win
- Alabama State has won seven of its last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
- Lamar has lost seven of its last eight games against non-Conference opponents.
- Alabama State has won the first half in each of its last three games.
Matchup/League Facts
- Lamar ranks T38th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (9.8).
- Lamar ranks T40th among Division 1 teams for field goal attempts per game this season (65.5).
Lamar vs Alabama State Prediction
I’ll probably lean toward Alabama State. There’s not a ton of intrigue involved in this one if you’re not a fan of either team, though. In any case, the Hornets played quite well Friday, especially in the second half. Alabama State ended up with 47.3 percent shooting, 35 rebounds, and 15 team assists. That makes 79 or more points in three of four games so far.
As for Lamar. they got off to a slow start versus Akron but didn’t really shoot too badly on 42.3 percent overall. The major blemishes were the 19 turnovers, the 44-40 rebounding deficit (21-10 offensive), and the 4-of-17 (23.5 percent) from 3-point range. The Cardinals have been scoring well this year with 71 or more points in every game. That said, they’ve given up 79 or more points in three straight. Alabama State should have plenty of opportunities to put up points here.