The American Eagles and the William & Mary Tribe meet Friday in college basketball action from Kaplan Arena. American is coming off a season-opening win versus Marist. As for the Tribe, they kicked off their year versus Wake Forest on Wednesday. In that one, William & Mary took an 18-point loss. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
American had an abbreviated season last year, going 4-6 overall and 4-5 in Patriot League play. The Eagles were ahead of only Loyola in the three-team South Division standings. American ultimately lost to Army in the Patriot League Tournament to end their campaign.
This year the Eagles were able to kick things off with a win, taking out Marist 77-73 in overtime. American was down 26-24 at the break but posted a strong second half on the way to the victory. Stacy Beckton led the team with 18 points, five rebounds and one assist.
Over on the William & Mary side, they’re coming off a 7-10 overall record last year with a 4-6 mark in CAA play. The Tribe finished just three spots out of the basement in the standings. William & Mary beat UNC Wilmington in the conference tourney before a loss to Northeastern.
In Wednesday’s matchup versus Wake Forest, the Tribe scored just 18 points in the first half on the way to a 77-59 blowout loss. Ben Wright was the only William & Mary player in double-figures with 18 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Tribe are 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12 at home and 5-1 ATS in their last six Friday games. William & Mary are 1-4 ATS in their last five overall.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are 6-2 ATS in their last eight Friday games and 8-1 ATS in their last nine as a favorite. The over is 4-0 in American’s last four overall.
PICK: I’m going to try American. The Eagles put up a nice effort in the win over Marist this week, shooting 45.8 percent from the field with 36 rebounds and 17 team assists (Marist had just five). American was spotty from 3-point range however, with 26.3 percent (5-of-19) outside.
As for William & Mary, they looked rough against Wake Forest, especially in the first half. Still, the Tribe secured 36 rebounds and 17 team assists throughout the game—it was pretty much over by halftime, though. The team should be more competitive in this one.