The Portland State Vikings (6-9, 1-3 BigSky) and the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (7-7, 2-3 BigSky), who both like to play fast, will battle at Centrum Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 17, 2019.
Portland State Vikings at Southern Utah Thunderbirds Free Prediction
The last time the Vikings played, they were topped by the Weber State Wildcats, 95-88. One of Weber State’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 18-21 (85.7 percent), while the Vikings were just 16-25 (64.0 percent). Sal Nuhu was Portland State’s high scorer with 20 points on 8-for-16 shooting.
The Thunderbirds edged the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks in their last outing, 84-82. The Thunderbirds held the Lumberjacks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 14.7 (below their season average of 24.6). The Lumberjacks had a free throw rate of 0.148 (below their season average of 0.254). With 17 points and nine rebounds, Southern Utah’s Harrison Butler played well.
There should be a fair amount of transition action in this battle that showcases two of the NCAA’s more fast-breaking teams. Southern Utah currently ranks 18th in possessions per game (76.1) and Portland State is 23rd (75.5).
After the Vikings won the sole game against the Thunderbirds last season, 96-91, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. Portland State out-rebounded Southern Utah. The Vikings had 22 offensive rebounds and 47 total rebounds, while the Thunderbirds had 11 and 40, respectively.
Portland State Vikings at Southern Utah Thunderbirds ATS Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Portland State, ATS Winner – Portland State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Portland State ranks fifth in steals per game (10.0) while Southern Utah ranks 92nd (6.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Vikings have been outscored by an average of 6.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Portland State has defeated opponents by an average of 3.7 points.
During their last five games, the Thunderbirds have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (2.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 86.6 points per game (7.9 above their season average).
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