The BYU Cougars (11-2) will attempt to extend their eight-game winning streak against the Portland Pilots (6-7) at Marriott Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 28, 2017, and will air on ESPN Full Court.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 143 points with BYU opening as an 18-point favorite.
Portland Pilots at BYU Cougars Betting Prediction
The last time the Pilots played, they defeated the Sacramento State Hornets, 80-75. The Pilots had a superb turnover percentage of 9.6 (better than their season average of 16.1), while the Hornets had a free throw rate of 0.158 (below their season average of 0.208). Portland was lifted by Josh McSwiggan, who was the team’s high scorer with 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
The Cougars won big over the Texas Southern Tigers in their last matchup, 73-52. The Cougars had a solid turnover percentage of 8.8 (better than their season average of 16.4) and held the Tigers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.410 (below their season average of 0.475). Yoeli Childs was the top scorer from either team with 19 points on 7-for-16 shooting.
A focal point for the BYU offense is getting to the free throw line. The Cougars rank 25th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.313), but Portland is among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking 33rd by yielding a FTA rate of 0.174). Furthermore, the Pilots rank 323rd in offensive rebounding percentage (23.2 percent), while the Cougars rank 30th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.7 percent).
Portland holds records of 6-7 straight up (SU) and 4-4 against the spread (ATS). Of the Pilots’ 8 games that accepted bets, five have finished over the total.
BYU has a phenomenal 11-2 SU record, but they have a hard time covering the spread (4-6 ATS). Unlike Portland, Cougars games have a tendency to go under the total (60.0 percent).
After the Cougars won both meetings against the Pilots last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, BYU won 97-78. BYU had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (50.0 vs. 17.6). Portland, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (32-43; 74.4 percent).
Portland Pilots vs. BYU Cougars Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – BYU, ATS Winner – Portland, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Portland is 3-2 ATS on the road with 4 overs and 1 under.
At home, BYU is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
BYU ranks 54th in three pointers allowed per game (19.5) while Portland ranks 257th (27.5).
The Cougars rank 30th in rebounds allowed per game (31.4) while the Pilots rank 211th (37.8).
BYU ranks 59th in assists per game (16.1) while Portland ranks 195th in assists allowed per game (15.5).
The Pilots rank 43rd in steals allowed per game (5.4) while the Cougars rank 74th (5.9).
Portland and BYU average 2.8 blocks allowed per game, which ranks 50th in the NCAA.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Portland is 2-1 ATS with 2 overs and 1 under.
BYU is 2-2 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Pilots’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.4, down from 2.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 77.8 points per game (0.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (2.8 below their season average).
