COLLEGE BASKETBALL
BRYANT @ VERMONT (BRY -1.5, 142.5)
BRYANT UNDER 142.5
We've played Bryant before this season, mainly the Bulldogs' team total. That's because Bryant is a top 20 scoring team averaging 83 points per game. They play a fast-paced, up-tempo style of offense and rank No. 9 in the country in possessions per game. Tonight, they'll likely be slowed down. That's usually what happens when you play Vermont.
Vermont ranks 20th in the nation in scoring defense, giving up 64.4 points per game. The Catamounts have won each of their last four games and held those opponents to 61, 59, 62, and 49 points. In the first meeting with Bryant this season, Vermont held the Bulldogs below their season scoring average but lost badly, 73-53.
Vermont likes to play very deliberately. They rank 359th (out of 364) in the country in possessions per game. The Catamounts will do everything in their power to slow this game down. It has worked in the past. Each of the last 5 games between these two teams has gone Under the total. None of the 5 games went over 138 points.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
LOUISIANA @ TROY (TROY -15.5, 137.5)
LOUISIANA TEAM TOTAL UNDER 63.5
Troy is 10-4 in the Sun Belt Conference this season. The Trojans are currently a half-game behind South Alabama for the lead in the conference. Troy should have no trouble moving to 11-4 and tying the Jaguars for the top spot. The Trojans just beat the Ragin' Cajuns last week 74-56.
Troy is one of the better defensive teams in the country. They rank 27th in scoring defense allowing opponents 65.2 ppg. Troy has won 6 of its last 8 games and has held 4 of its last 5 opponents to fewer than 63 points.
Louisiana is 9-18 on the season. Their offense is horrible. The Cajuns rank 344th in the nation in scoring. They average 66.6 ppg. They are one of the worst shooting teams as well, ranking 355th in overall field goal percentage. Louisiana didn't hit 60 in the first game against Troy and will have a tough time doing so tonight on the road.
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