Jacksonville State vs. Bellarmine Prediction and Odds (Don't Be Afraid to Back the Underdog)

Jacksonville State and Bellarmine are both looking to improve on their 10-3 records in the ASUN Conference when they face off on Sunday. 

Jacksonville State comes into this game at No. 155 in KenPom’s latest rankings while Bellarmine is 189th. The Knights have won three straight ahead of hosting Jacksonville State, but can they cover as slight favorites today?

Here are the odds for this game via WynnBET: 

Jacksonville State vs. Bellarmine Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Jacksonville State +2 (-110)
• Bellarmine -2 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Jacksonville State +100
• Bellarmine: -120

Total:

• 137 (Over -110/Under -110)

Jacksonville State vs. Bellarmine Prediction and Pick

The key in this game is going to be who dictates that pace, as the Knights play at one of the slowest rates in the country. 

Bellarmine averages just 63.8 possessions per game (it also allows the 19th fewest in the country at 64.3), while the Gamecocks average 67.3 possessions per game. 

Both of these teams rank inside the top 50 in effective field goal percentage, but the Jacksonville State defense ranks higher in field goal percentage allowed and opponent effective field goal percentage. 

I can see Bellarmine dictating the pace in this game at home, but the Gamecocks are the better team in terms of adjusted efficiency margin, and they have shown that they can play at a slower pace this season and still be effective. 

I’ll back the underdog to pull off the upset on Sunday. 

Lean: Jacksonville State Moneyline (+100)

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.