Wofford vs. Chattanooga Odds
| Wofford Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -110 | 135.5 -110o / -110u | +200 |
| Chattanooga Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -110 | 135.5 -110o / -110u | -250 |
The Wofford Terriers will square off against the Chattanooga Mocs in conference play for the second time this season. In the first meeting the Mocs came into Richardson Indoor and defeated the Terriers 75-67, in large part because of Malachi Smith's 24 points.
Speaking of Smith, he has for the fourth time this season been named the Southern Conference Player of the Week. Smith is the only Chattanooga player in program history to win the award four times in a single season and the first since Stephen Curry in 2008-09 to win the award four times. Curry however, won it eight times, so something to shoot for.
Smith is not only the best player in the SoCon, he's one of the best in the country. Currently leading the conference and ranking seventh nationally with 21.7 points per game, he also ranks third nationally in total points with 434.
The Terriers will have a tall task in front of them stopping the duo of Smith and Silvio De Sousa, but it's no cakewalk for the Mocs.
Wofford is 12-8 on the season and 4-4 in conference play and will also be looking to bounce back after an embarrassing 25-point loss on their home court to Furman. The Terriers were held to a season low in scoring, shooting just 37.8% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point range, as well as 68.8% from the free throw line.
McKenzie Arena hasn't been kind to the Terriers with a 7-14 record there. This season, Chattanooga is 8-1 at home and 15-3 against opponents over .500.
Wofford Terriers
Every team has bad losses throughout a season, and the Terriers can only hope their loss to Furman was the worst they'll have and move on. That defeat ended a three-game winning streak and was the first win for the Paladins inside Richardson Indoor and was their first win over Wofford since 2011.
Offensively, the Terriers can keep up with the Mocs as they average 71,9 points per game and have an effective field goal percentage of 54.5%, which ranks even ahead of Chattanooga at 29th.
Wofford's problems, however, come on defense. The Terriers are allowing teams to record an effective field goal percentage of 54.8%, one of the worst in the country at 339th. They also rank outside the top 300 in both 3- and 2-point defense.
One potential saving grace for Wofford will be if it can force turnovers. The Terriers rank 58th nationally in turnover percentage, forcing a turnover on 21.2% of defensive plays. That will still be a challenge in this game, though, as Chattanooga rarely gives the ball up.
Chattanooga Mocs
If by some divine intervention the Chattanooga Mocs aren't in the NCAA Tournament, I will cry and throw up on Selection Sunday. The Mocs are one of my favorite teams in college basketball to watch this season and can keep up with anyone when fully healthy.
Chattanooga is averaging 73.8 points per game and has the best scoring margin in the SoCon at +12.7.
I believe the Mocs' rebounding will play an even bigger role in this matchup. They rank fifth in the SoCon with 36.6 boards per game. and have been solid at limiting opposing teams on the glass, as well, allowing just 30.3 per game. Wofford has the best rebounding defense in the league but is worst when it comes to rebounding for itself, averaging just 31.4 per game. The Mocs need to win the battle of the boards if they're going to cover this spread.
Another major factor for Chattanooga will be its 3-point defense. It ranks second in the SoCon in defending deep shots, while Wofford ranks third in 3-point percentage.
Wofford vs. Chattanooga Betting Pick
With the highest average home attendance in the SoCon, there's no doubt the home crowd will give the Mocs an advantage here. While Wofford presents a decent challenge on offense, its defense will be no match for Chattanooga.
That's why I think the Mocs will cover this -5.5 point spread with ease. They are the better team on both ends of the court, and their height advantage should play a factor as well around the basket.
I would take Chattanooga up to -7.
