The Marquette Golden Eagles (5-2) square off with the Georgia Bulldogs (5-1) at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
Marquette is a 4-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 148.5 points.
Georgia Bulldogs vs. Marquette Golden Eagles ATS Prediction
In the Bulldogs’ last contest, they defeated the No. 21 Saint Mary’s Gaels, 83-81. Georgia’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Saint Mary’s. The Bulldogs had a rate of 0.154 (matching their season average), while the Gaels posted a mark of 0.041 (below their season average of 0.265). Yante Maten had a good game for Georgia, recording 16 points and seven rebounds.
The Golden Eagles won big over the Chicago State Cougars in their last matchup, 95-69. The Golden Eagles, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.5, had an absurd mark of 33.3 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.672 (above their season average of 0.560). Markus Howard was the game’s leading scorer with 33 points on 11-for-16 shooting.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, this appears to be a matchup of two heavyweights. Since the 2016-17 season, the Marquette offense ranks seventh in the NCAA in that metric at 0.576, while the Georgia defense ranks 31st in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.464).
Georgia is 5-1 straight up (SU), but they are just 1-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to set the total low when the Bulldogs are involved, as two of their 3 games have ended over the total.
Marquette has an outstanding 5-2 SU record, but they are just 2-4 ATS. Games involving the Golden Eagles also have a tendency to go over the total (60.0 percent).
The Golden Eagles won the only game against the Bulldogs last season, 89-79. The Golden Eagles had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.5 vs. 22.9) and had a better turnover percentage (11.8 vs. 15.0).
Georgia Bulldogs at Marquette Golden Eagles Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Georgia, ATS Winner – Georgia, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Marquette ranks 31st in three pointers attempted per game (25.4) while Georgia ranks 314th (16.4).
The Bulldogs rank 40th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while the Golden Eagles rank 291st (15.5).
Georgia ranks 72nd in rebounds per game (37.9) while Marquette ranks 293rd (32.8).
The Golden Eagles rank 63rd in steals per game (7.1) while the Bulldogs rank 235th (5.3).
Georgia averages 4.0 blocks per game, which ranks 81st in the NCAA. Marquette ranks 156th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
