It will be a battle between BigSky opponents when the Idaho Vandals (10-5, 2-1 BigSky) welcome the Portland State Vikings (7-5, 0-2 BigSky) to Cowan Spectrum at the Kibbie Dome. The game is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018.
Idaho opened as a 4.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 158.5 points.
Portland State Vikings at Idaho Vandals ATS Prediction
In the Vikings’ last game, they were beaten by the Eastern Washington Eagles, 81-74. Eastern Washington was successful at getting and making free throws. The Eagles made 25 of their 27 free throws (92.6 percent), while the Vikings were 21-29 (72.4 percent). Portland State’s Brandon Hollins put together a good outing, finishing with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Vandals barely escaped the Sacramento State Hornets in their last contest, 69-68. The Vandals, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.8, had a fantastic mark of 37.1 and had a free throw rate of 0.304 (above their season average of 0.264). With 16 points and 11 rebounds, Idaho’s Brayon Blake played well.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Idaho should have a considerable edge. The Vandals defense ranks 26th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.451), while the Portland State offense is ranked 263rd in effective field goal percentage (0.491). Moreover, the Vikings rank 19th in turnover percentage (15.6 percent), while the Vandals rank 294th in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.1 percent).
Deontae North has averaged 21.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals over the last five games for Portland State.
After the Vandals won the lone game against the Vikings last season, 89-72, these teams will meet for the first time this year. Idaho made 14 of its 26 three pointers (53.8 percent). Portland State, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (10.9 vs. 18.0).
Portland State Vikings at Idaho Vandals Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Portland State, ATS Winner – Portland State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Idaho ranks 34th in rebounds allowed per game (31.5) while Portland State ranks 257th (40.8).
The Vikings rank 11th in steals per game (9.7) while the Vandals rank 198th (4.2).
Portland State ranks 29th in three pointers allowed per game (18.4) while Idaho ranks 196th (24.1).
The Vandals rank 40th in assists allowed per game (11.2) while the Vikings rank 180th (15.0).
Idaho ranks 38th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Portland State ranks 165th (5.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Vikings’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.0, down from 2.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Vandals have scored an average of 72.2 points per game (0.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.0 points per game (0.3 above their season average).
