The BYU Cougars (9-8, 1-1 WCC) will attempt to prolong their five-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Portland Pilots (7-9, 0-1 WCC) at Marriott Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 10, 2019.
Portland Pilots vs. BYU Cougars ATS Prediction
In the Pilots’ last game, they defeated the Multnomah Lions, 111-103. The Pilots had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.8 vs. 12.2) and had a much better free throw rate (0.231 vs. 0.092). With 37 points on 17-for-25 shooting, Josh McSwiggan was Portland’s leading scorer.
The Cougars lost to the No. 7 Nevada Wolf Pack in their last game, 86-70. One of Nevada’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 39 free throw attempts, while BYU had just 19. With 16 points and 12 rebounds, BYU’s Yoeli Childs had a solid game.
After the Cougars won both contests against the Pilots last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, BYU won 72-60. The Cougars had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (22.9 vs. 3.2) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.516 vs. 0.463).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Marcus Shaver Jr. (0 points) has been fantastic for the Pilots while Childs (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Cougars.
BYU could put on a ball-control clinic in this battle. BYU ranks 14th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.3 percent), while Portland forces the 48th-fewest turnovers (16.9 percent).
Portland at BYU ATS Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Byu, ATS Winner – Portland, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
BYU averages 15.8 assists per game, which ranks 47th in the NCAA. Portland ranks 196th in assists allowed per game (14.9).
The Cougars average 37.6 rebounds per game, which ranks 92nd in the nation. The Pilots rank 225th in rebounds allowed per game (38.3).
BYU averages 22.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 136th in the NCAA. Portland ranks 181st in three pointers allowed per game (24.0).
The Pilots rank 45th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while the Cougars rank 77th (6.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Pilots have outscored opponents by an average of 1.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Portland has lost by an average of 3.3 points.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 80.6 points per game (3.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.6 points per game (13.2 below their season average).
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