Washington at LMU (Over 157.5, play to 161) - Game #537-538 - 12:30pm Pacific

Washington comes in as one of the highest scoring teams in the country averaging 88 points per game.  Last year, Washington games averaged 161 total points per game but this year they are deeper and are really looking to play up tempo as much as possible.  Through seven games their average total this year is 164.  Second leading scorer Brandon Roy currently is out with an injury but senior guard Tre Simmons has filled in very nicely averaging 21.5ppg in last two starts.  Washington has put up an average of 93.5ppg in their last two outings.  Defensively, the Huskies have been solid at home, holding opponents to 41.2%, 43.6%, and 41.9% in three games.  However, on the road their defensive performance has been much worse allowing opponents to shoot 53.2%, 50.0%, 55%, and 58.9% in four outings.

 

LMU head coach Steve Aggers repeatedly commented in the preseason that he would like his team to play at a faster pace this year.  LMU has been using a 10 man rotation all season so he definitely has enough depth to do so.  The Lions rely heavily on pressure defense to create turnovers.  They have had success with it in last two games against Long Beach State and South Alabama, two of the most turnover prone teams in the country, but now Washington comes in with Nate Robinson (21.7ppg) who is one of the most explosive point guards in the country.  Teams that can handle pressure will get a lot of easy looks against this LMU defense and Washington definitely fits in that category.  LMU games have only averaged a total of 139.5 this year but that is mostly due in part to opponents lacking offensive firepower.  The Lions themselves are averaging 75 points per game which will be plenty to put this game over.  Expect a high scoring affair.

 

Official Play: OVER 157.5  1 UNIT