UT Arlington Mavericks vs Texas State Bobcats NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/29/24
The Mavericks and Bobcats are set to face off at 5:00 ET on ESPN+. The Bobcats will host the game at Strahan Arena at the University Events Center in San Marcos, TX. The over/under for this non-conference contest is set at 149.5 points, with Texas State being favored by -6.5 over UT Arlington.
UT ARLINGTON MAVERICKS VS TEXAS STATE BOBCATS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Texas State Bobcats -6.5
This game will be played at Strahan Arena at the University Events Center at 5:00 ET on Sunday, December 29th.
WHY BET THE TEXAS STATE BOBCATS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-70 in favor of the Bobcats.
- Not only will Texas State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -6.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 149.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 148 points.
Will the Mavericks Make it Happen in San Marcos?
UT Arlington’s season record dropped to 4-7 after a 79-56 road loss to Liberty on Saturday. Entering the game as +9.5 point underdogs, the Mavericks failed to cover the spread.
After trailing 39-22 at halftime, UT Arlington scored 34 points in the 2nd half but allowed 40. The game’s total points of 135 fell short of the 142.5 O/U line.
UT Arlington struggled offensively in their last game, scoring just 56 points on 31.4% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 32.9%, and they hit only 2 of 20 three-point attempts, finishing at 10% from beyond the arc. They did manage to connect on 83.3% of their free throws, going 10 for 12 from the line.
The Mavericks grabbed 18 offensive rebounds but recorded just 4 assists as a team. Kaden Metheny led the way with 25 points, shooting 7 of 13 from three-point range. Zach Cleveland added 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Taelon Peter contributed 18 points in 20 minutes, hitting 4 of 8 from deep.
Even with UT Arlington’s defensive efforts, their opponent managed to score 79 points, shooting 52% from the field. They were particularly effective inside, hitting 63% of their two-point attempts (12/19).
From beyond the arc, UT Arlington allowed 15 threes on 32 attempts, a 46% shooting performance. The opponent also went 10/14 from the free-throw line, while UT Arlington limited them to just 4 offensive rebounds.
Is It the Bobcats Game to Lose at Home?
The Bobcats improved to 6-4 this season with an 83-61 win over Georgia Southern on Saturday. Playing at home, Texas State entered the game as -8 favorites and covered the spread. The combined points of 144 fell just under the 148.5 O/U line.
Texas State led 42-33 at halftime and continued their strong play in the 2nd half, outscoring the Eagles 41-28.
Texas State’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 83 points on 53.6% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 58.9%, and they connected on 42.9% of their three-point attempts, hitting 6 of 14 from deep. At the free-throw line, they were nearly automatic, making 17 of 20 for an 85% success rate.
The Bobcats also dished out 20 assists and grabbed 10 offensive rebounds. Tylan Pope was a standout performer, scoring 23 points in just 21 minutes, shooting 7 of 8 from the field and hitting his only three-point attempt. Tyrel Morgan added 19 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 53.8% overall and 50% from beyond the arc.
Despite Texas State’s defensive efforts, they allowed 61 points on 53% shooting from the field. The opposing team found success inside, hitting 57% of their two-point attempts, going 24/42.
From beyond the arc, Texas State’s defense gave up 6 threes on 14 attempts, a 42% shooting rate. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 20 times, where they converted 17 of those attempts, an 85% success rate.