Sam Houston Bearkats vs Pittsburgh Panthers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/21/24
Looking to win big? The Bearkats and Panthers face off at 1:00 ET on ACC. The Panthers are hosting the game at Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, PA. The over/under for this game is set at 152.5 points, and Pittsburgh is favored by -16.5 against Sam Houston in a non-conference matchup.
SAM HOUSTON BEARKATS VS PITTSBURGH PANTHERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Sam Houston Bearkats +16.5
This game will be played at Petersen Events Center at 1:00 ET on Saturday, December 21st.
WHY BET THE SAM HOUSTON BEARKATS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 80-67 in favor of the Panthers.
- Even though we have Pittsburgh winning straight-up, we like Sam Houston at +16.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 152.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 147 points.
Will the Bearkats Come Through as Road Underdogs?
Sam Houston improved to 4-5 on the season with an 87-71 win over Texas Southern on Saturday. The Bearkats were -11 favorites at home and covered the spread, while the game’s total of 158 points went over the 147.5-point line.
After trailing 36-32 at halftime, Sam Houston turned things around in the second half, outscoring the Tigers 55-35 to secure the win.
Sam Houston’s offense put up 87 points in their last game, shooting 47.5% from the field and 45.2% from three-point range, hitting 14 of 31 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 59%, and they grabbed 19 offensive rebounds, with 17 assists as a team.
Lamar Wilkerson led the way with 26 points, hitting 8 of 13 threes, while Cameron Huefner added 22 points. Kavion McClain contributed 19 points and 5 assists, and Kolby Granger was efficient, shooting 66.7% overall and 60% from deep.
Despite the Bearkats’ defensive efforts, they allowed 71 points in their latest game, with their opponents shooting 47% from the field. Sam Houston gave up 29 field goals on 61 attempts, including 15 two-pointers at a 50% clip.
From beyond the arc, the Bearkats allowed 14 threes on 31 attempts, with their opponents shooting 45% from three-point range. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 24 times, where they converted 15 free throws, shooting 62%. Additionally, Sam Houston gave up 19 offensive rebounds.
Can Pittsburgh Lock in a Home Win?
Pittsburgh Panthers Recent Game/Games
Pittsburgh improved to 9-2 on the season with a dominant 96-56 win over Eastern Kentucky on Wednesday. The Panthers, who were -18.5 point favorites, covered the spread, and the game’s total points of 152 went over the 147.5 O/U line.
After leading just 39-36 at halftime, Pittsburgh clamped down defensively, allowing only 20 points in the 2nd half while scoring 57 points of their own.
Pittsburgh’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 96 points on 61.1% shooting from the field. They connected on 71% of their two-point attempts and 47.8% from beyond the arc, leading to an effective field goal percentage of 70.4%. The Panthers also shot 76% from the free-throw line, hitting 19 of 25 attempts.
Brandin Cummings was the standout performer, scoring 30 points in 30 minutes, shooting 76.9% from the field and 75% from three-point range (6/8). Jaland Lowe contributed 12 assists, while Ishmael Leggett and Devontae Blanton each grabbed 6 rebounds.
Despite Pittsburgh’s defensive efforts, their opponent managed to score 56 points, shooting 61% from the field. They were especially effective inside, hitting 71% of their two-point attempts (22/31).
From beyond the arc, Pittsburgh allowed 11 threes on 23 attempts, a 47% shooting rate. Their opponent also went to the line 25 times, converting 19 free throws for a 76% success rate. Pittsburgh gave up 6 offensive rebounds in the game.