The Alcorn State Braves will hit the floor running against the visiting Southern Methodist Mustangs Saturday, looking to improve their record and boost wagering bankrolls in the process.

The game is being played at Leavey Center, which makes it technically a neutral site match.

Supporters of the Mustangs have watched them go 8-4 and 6-5 ATS on the year, while the Braves are at 2-10 and 1-0 ATS. In totals betting, the Braves are 0-1, while the Mustangs have a 0-3-1 mark.



View Southern Methodist vs Alcorn State Odds and Stats.

Power Rankings / Prediction:
This game puts the Braves, most recently No. 256 in the Odds Shark power rankings, up against the Mustangs, who rate No. 182 in the latest survey. Meanwhile, math and computer-based handicapping simulations run on this game predict a potential 68-53 victory for the Mustangs.



How They Match Up:
Rebounding is always a key handicapping consideration and Mustangs is ranked No. 225 in NCAA hoops at 34.2 per game. Contrast that with Alcorn State’s No. 275 mark in the paint. When it comes to three-point shooting, Alcorn State is the No. 328-ranked team in the country at 4 per game, while Southern Methodist rates No. 302 at 4.5 per game.

Defensively, Southern Methodist features the nation's No. 78-rated defense on the road, allowing 64.1 points per game. Alcorn State, meanwhile, comes in at No. 251 nationally in scoring at home.

In their last action, Southern Methodist was a 63-53 loser on the road against Wagner. They failed to cover the 3-point spread as favorites. The Mustangs got 20 points from Nick Russell, but it was Wagner that prevailed in a 63-53 final on Friday at Leavey Center.

Alcorn State was a 70-58 loser in their most recent outing on the road against Santa Clara. They covered the 25.5-point spread as underdogs. The Braves endured a 70-58 loss at the hands of the Broncos on Friday, despite a 23-point effort from Marquiz Baker at Leavey Center.

Next up:
Southern Methodist home to Furman, Sunday, December 30
Alcorn State at Canisius, Thursday, December 27