As the college basketball season hits its midway point, the margin for error is shrinking for teams on the tournament bubble. For West Georgia and Central Arkansas, tonight's matchup at The Coliseum is a golden opportunity to bolster their resumes and inject some life into their postseason hopes. Both teams are still searching for that elusive quality win, and a victory here could be a crucial stepping stone in their quest for a tournament berth.
West Georgia, currently sitting at 9-9 overall and 3-3 in conference play, is in dire need of a turnaround. The Wolves have dropped their last three games, and their 0-3 record in Quad 1 games isn't helping their cause. With a NET ranking of 310, they're firmly entrenched in the lower tier of Division I teams. Central Arkansas, on the other hand, boasts a slightly more respectable NET ranking of 222, but their 0-4 record in Quad 1 games is a major concern. The Bears have shown some promise in conference play, going 4-2, but they'll need to start notching some quality wins if they want to be taken seriously as a tournament contender.
CHD Scout Prediction
Central Arkansas
79
West Georgia
76
According to the CHD Scout prediction, Central Arkansas is favored to win by 3.0 points, with West Georgia given a 38.8% chance of pulling off the upset. While neither team has a player on a particularly hot or cold streak, the Bears' recent form suggests they might have a slight edge. Central Arkansas has won two of their last three games, while West Georgia is still reeling from their three-game losing skid.
In a game that's essentially a toss-up, the team that can impose their will and dictate the tempo is likely to emerge victorious. With the over/under set at 153.5 points, this one could turn into a high-scoring affair. Given the CHD Scout prediction and the recent trends, I'm predicting Central Arkansas to come out on top, 79-76. The Bears' slightly better conference record and more respectable NET ranking give them a narrow edge, and I expect them to capitalize on West Georgia's current struggles to secure a crucial win on the road.