Appalachian State Mountaineers vs North Texas Mean Green NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/20/24

Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Mountaineers and Mean Green. The game is starting at 8:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Mean Green at UNT Coliseum in Denton, TX. Get ready to place your bets! This non-conference matchup has an over/under of 123.5 points, and North Texas is favored by -12.5 vs. Appalachian State.

APPALACHIAN STATE MOUNTAINEERS VS NORTH TEXAS MEAN GREEN BETTING PICK

The Pick: Appalachian State Mountaineers +12.5

This game will be played at UNT Coliseum at 8:00 ET on Friday, December 20th.

WHY BET THE APPALACHIAN STATE MOUNTAINEERS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 79-68 in favor of the Mean Green.
• Even though we have North Texas winning straight-up, we like Appalachian State at +12.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 123.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.

Does Appalachian State Stand a Chance on the Road?

Appalachian State Mountaineers Recent Game/Games

The Mountaineers dropped to 4-5 on the season after a 68-62 road loss to Louisiana-Lafayette on Wednesday. Entering the game as 2-point favorites, Appalachian State not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The combined points of 130 fell short of the 135.5-point O/U line.

Appalachian State found themselves in a 35-21 hole at halftime but showed resilience by outscoring the Ragin’ Cajuns 41-33 in the second half. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t complete the comeback.

In their latest game, Appalachian State managed just 62 points, shooting 41.7% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 45.8%. They struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 4 of 18 attempts for a 22.2% three-point shooting percentage, while connecting on 53.3% of their two-point shots.

The Mountaineers also shot 62.1% from the free-throw line, making 18 of 29 attempts. Dior Conners and Michael Thomas both hit 3 of 5 from three-point range, with Conners finishing with 15 points and 4 rebounds. Mostapha El Moutaouakkil also added 15 points and 8 rebounds, despite shooting just 4 of 13 from the field.

Appalachian State’s defense gave up 68 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 41% from the field on 23 of 55 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 14 two-point baskets on 31 attempts, a 45% shooting rate.

From beyond the three-point line, opponents hit 9 of 24 shots, shooting 37%. Appalachian State also sent them to the free-throw line 17 times, where they converted 13 for 76%. The Mountaineers allowed 9 offensive rebounds.

Will the Mean Green Pull Through as the Favored Home Team?

North Texas Mean Green Recent Game/Games

North Texas improved to 5-3 on the season with an 83-42 win over Mississippi Valley State on Wednesday. The Mean Green were heavy favorites at -36.5 and covered the spread in the victory.

North Texas led 36-18 at halftime and scored 47 points in the 2nd half while allowing just 24. The game’s total points of 125 went over the 122.5-point line.

North Texas put up 83 points in their last game, shooting 63.8% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 72.3%. They were dominant inside, hitting 78.6% of their two-point attempts, while also connecting on 42.1% from beyond the arc.

The Mean Green added 15 assists and 8 offensive rebounds, with Brenen Lorient leading the way, shooting 85.7% from the field and scoring 16 points in 22 minutes. Atin Wright and Arthur Tate also contributed 15 points each, with Wright hitting 3 of 5 from deep.

Despite North Texas giving up 42 points, they struggled defensively, allowing their opponent to shoot 63% from the field, including 78% on two-point attempts. The Mean Green also allowed 8 made threes on 19 attempts, a 42% shooting clip from beyond the arc.

From the free-throw line, North Texas sent their opponent to the stripe 21 times, where they converted 15 free throws (71%). The Mean Green gave up 8 offensive rebounds in the game.