The Utah State Aggies (11-4, 1-1 MWC) look to prolong their five-game winning streak against the Fresno State Bulldogs (11-3, 2-0 MWC) at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Utah State Aggies Free Prediction
The Bulldogs will be hoping for a similar result after blowing out the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves in their last matchup, 91-63. The Bulldogs had a much better free throw rate (0.344 vs. 0.169) and had a much better turnover percentage (9.9 vs. 19.3). Fresno State received a boost from Braxton Huggins, who was the game’s high scorer with 23 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
In the Aggies’ last game, they had no trouble getting past the Montana State Bobcats, 101-71. The Aggies had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (44.4 vs. 12.5) and had a better turnover percentage (13.0 vs. 16.1). Sam Merrill was the game’s top scorer with 37 points on 12-for-18 shooting from the field.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this meeting between a pair of the NCAA’s best defenses. Utah State ranks 17th in defensive efficiency (89.9) and Fresno State is 46th (92.9).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Deshon Taylor (0 points) has been stellar for the Bulldogs while Merrill (0 points) has made great contributions to the Aggies.
After the Aggies won both matchups against the Bulldogs last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last game, Utah State won 65-62. Utah State had a much better turnover percentage (11.0 vs. 20.7). Fresno State, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (41.9 vs. 18.8).
Fresno State Bulldogs at Utah State Aggies Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Utah State, ATS Winner – Fresno State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah State ranks 11th in rebounds per game (42.3) while Fresno State ranks 132nd (36.4).
The Bulldogs average 26.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 55th in the country. The Aggies rank 141st in three pointers allowed per game (22.8).
Fresno State averages 7.5 steals per game, which ranks 61st in the NCAA. Utah State ranks 126th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
The Bulldogs rank 60th in blocks per game (4.1) while the Aggies rank 100th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Fresno State ranks 45th in assists per game (16.0) while Utah State ranks 33rd in assists allowed per game (10.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.4, down from 13.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 88.0 points per game (8.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 62.4 points per game (2.7 below their season average).
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