College Basketball Betting Analysis & Pick: SMU vs. Wichita State

College Basketball Betting Analysis & Pick: SMU vs. Wichita State

Written by on January 17, 2018

The American Conference is one that does not always get a lot of play, but it was always going to be an interesting one to watch this season with the arrival of the Wichita State Shockers. This was a team that dominated in recent years as part of the Mountain Valley Conference, but the question was how they would adjust to life in a new conference. The Shockers have not missed a beat, and come into this week ranked #5 in the nation and unbeaten in conference play, which is why they control of the College Basketball betting odds. They will try to keep that run alive on Wednesday night when they welcome in the SMU Mustangs, who are having a bit of an up and down season to this point. The Mustangs are coming into this game on a bit of a losing skid, which is not where you want to be when heading into hostile territory to face a team that is on a roll. This is one that should be a comfortable win for the Shockers, but let’s take a closer look.

Mustangs vs. Shockers College Basketball Betting Analysis & Pick

  • When: Wednesday, January 17 at 8 PM EST
  • Where: Charles Koch Arena, Wichita
  • TV: ESPNU
  • Radio: 1310 AM (SMU) / 103.7 FM (Wichita)
  • Live Stream: Watch ESPN
  • College Basketball Betting Odds: Wichita State Shockers -8.5 (Over/Under at 143 points)

Early NCAAB Championship Betting Predictions

Team Records

  • All: SMU Mustangs 12-6 / Wichita Shockers 15-2
  • Home: SMU Mustangs 12-3 / Wichita Shockers 9-1
  • Away: SMU Mustangs 0-3 / Wichita Shockers 6-1
  • ATS: SMU Mustangs 5-7-1 / Wichita Shockers 7-8
  • Over/Under: SMU Mustangs 6-7 / Wichita Shockers 7-8

Why bet on the SMU Mustangs?

The 12-6 Mustangs have been playing some streaky ball this season, and right now they are on a negative streak, having lost 3 games in a row. The bad news continues for this team, as they are also coming into this game with a winless record on the road. It’s not all doom and gloom for the Mustangs, though, as they do have a pair of wins over ranked opponents this season, beating out Arizona and USC. For a team at just 12-6, going 2-2 against a ranked opposition is not that bad at all. The problem that every Mustangs opponent faces are trying to break down a defense that is very solid. SMU is giving up just 61.1 PPG, which is good enough for 6th in the nation in the category. That defense has struggled a little of late, giving up 70+ points in 2 of their last 3 games. SMU are 5-7-1 ATS and 6-7 O/U this season.

Team Statistics

Offense
  • Total Score: 73.50
  • Field Goal Percentage: 46.52
  • Three-Point Percentage: 41.25
  • Free Throw Percentage: 66.57
  • Rebounds: 35.17
Defense
  • Total Score: 61.06
  • Field Goal Percentage: 40.57
  • Three-Point Percentage: 33.25
  • Free Throw Percentage: 65.56
  • Rebounds: 32.17

Why bet on the Wichita State Shockers?

It should perhaps come as no real surprise that the Wichita State Shockers are #7 in the nation with a 15-2 record, is a team that has eclipsed the 30-win mark in 4 of their last 5 seasons. The question was always going to be how they would contend with playing in a new conference, but to this point, it has been a seamless transition for them, as they are coming into this game with a perfect 5-0 record in the American Conference. As No. 5, Wichita State comes in as the favorite at the College Basketball Betting Odds against SMU. This is a team that has a ton of experience on the floor, and which also has a deep bench to draw from every single night. Their last defeat came against the Oklahoma Sooners, but they have bounced back really well since then, winning 7 games in a row. The Shockers are in the top 25 in scoring and points allowed, so are obviously well balanced. Wichita State is 7-8 ATS an O/U.

Team Statistics

Offense
  • Total Score: 84.94
  • Field Goal Percentage: 49.14
  • Three-Point Percentage: 40.79
  • Free Throw Percentage: 73.81
  • Rebounds: 42.00
Defense
  • Total Score: 68.29
  • Field Goal Percentage: 39.38
  • Three-Point Percentage: 33.01
  • Free Throw Percentage: 72.24
  • Rebounds: 31.18

Latest College Basketball Betting Trends

  • Mustangs are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games
  • Mustangs are 18-7 SU in their last 25 games
  • The total has gone OVER in 5 of Southern Methodist’s last 5 games on the road
  • Shockers are 2-4 ATS in their last 6 games at home
  • Shockers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
  • The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Wichita State’s last 6 games

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

While this is one that I think the Shockers will win, I believe it may be a little closer than a lot of people expect. Score: SMU Mustangs 60 – Wichita State Shockers 65