Furman vs. Chattanooga Prediction: Can Furman Win the Southern Conference Tournament Final?
Furman vs. Chattanooga Prediction: Can Furman Win the Southern Conference Tournament Final?
The Furman Paladins and Chattanooga Mocs meet for the third time this season in the Southern Conference Championship. In their previous two matchups this season, Furman managed to beat Chattanooga with a solid defensive performance. The Furman Paladins are in a better position to clinch another win this time around.
Let's dive right into my pick.
Furman vs. Chattanooga Start Time, Where to Watch, Odds
- Date: March 6, 2023
- Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPN
Click here for Chattanooga vs. Furman odds
Furman vs. Chattanooga Prediction
Furman has been a dominant force in the Southern Conference, ranking first in offensive efficiency and scoring 81.9 points per game. Their offensive prowess can be attributed to their impressive two-point percentage, which is the third highest in the nation at 59.1%. The Paladins' offensive game is a well-rounded one, with JP Pegues leading the team in three-point shooting and Mike Bothwell contributing the most to their scoring.
Furman's defensive strategy is centered around limiting their opponents' three-point attempts. It has been a winning strategy for them against Chattanooga this season. In both games, Furman managed to restrict Chattanooga's three-point shots, which is significant since Chattanooga has the highest three-point-to-field-goal ratio in the nation. Furman's defense has shown that they can handle the challenge of defending against a team that heavily relies on their three-point shooting.
Chattanooga's offensive game is heavily reliant on their three-point shooting. They make an average of 11.4 three-pointers per game, which is the highest in college basketball. However, their defensive game is a weakness, allowing 71.6 points per contest. The Mocs' offensive game is led by Jake Stephens, who is their leading scorer and rebounder. The Mocs' best passer, Dalvin White, has been responsible for 2.8 assists per game.
The rebound battle in this matchup will be critical since both teams have been strong in this area. Furman Paladins average 33 rebounds per game, while Chattanooga Mocs record 33.3 rebounds per game. The Mocs have been winning the rebound battle by an average of 2.6 boards, but the Paladins' strong offensive game may help them secure a win regardless.
Furman's key player to watch in this game is Mike Bothwell, who is their leading scorer and has contributed 18 points per game. He is supported by Jalen Slawson, who is their leading rebounder and blocker, and JP Pegues, who has been solid in three-point shooting.
The Furman Paladins are in a better position to win this game. Their impressive offensive game and solid defensive strategy against the three-ball will help them secure another win against Chattanooga Mocs. They are also the more balanced offensive team overall. While beating a team three times in one season is never easy, the Paladins have the Mocs' number.
Furman vs. Chattanooga Pick
- 2 Unit Pick: Furman -4.5 (-110) (Bet $100 to collect $191) Get the best odds, available at DraftKings
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Article Author
Ben Rajavuori is a handicapper out of Minneapolis, MN. He has been creating sports content for almost four years now and is an expert in all things NFL, MLB, NBA, UFC, and NCAAB. Ben thrives on diving deep into statistics to find the best angle on every bet. You can follow him on Twitter @WeBeatTheSpread.