It will be a battle between MWC opponents when the Nevada Wolf Pack (15-3, 4-0 MWC) welcome the Utah State Aggies (10-8, 3-2 MWC) to Lawlor Events Center. The game can be seen on ESPN 3 at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 13, 2018.
Utah State Aggies at Nevada Wolf Pack Free Prediction
The last time the Aggies played, they were defeated by the Colorado State Rams, 84-75. One of Colorado State’s largest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They made 33 trips to the line, while Utah State went 26 times. Sam Merrill led Utah State in scoring with 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
The Wolf Pack defeated the Air Force Falcons in their last outing, 86-75. The Wolf Pack knocked down 13 of their 15 free throws (86.7 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.7 (above their season average of 27.7). Caleb Martin was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 8-for-12 shooting.
Nevada should have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Wolf Pack rank 18th in offensive efficiency, while the Aggies rank 210th in defensive efficiency.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Merrill (18.0 points, 4.8 assists and 1.4 steals) has been stellar for the Aggies while Martin (20.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals) has made great contributions to the Wolf Pack.
After the Wolf Pack won two out of three games against the Aggies last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Nevada won 83-69. Nevada had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.0 vs. 21.6). Utah State, meanwhile, did an excellent job of making free throws (17-24; 70.8 percent).
Utah State Aggies at Nevada Wolf Pack Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Nevada, ATS Winner – Nevada, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Nevada ranks 29th in assists per game (16.9) while Utah State ranks 133rd (13.6).
The Aggies average 24.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 75th in the NCAA. The Wolf Pack rank 146th in three pointers allowed per game (22.5).
Nevada ranks 18th in steals allowed per game (4.8) while Utah State ranks 79th (6.1).
The Wolf Pack average 4.2 blocks per game, which ranks 60th in the nation. The Aggies rank 66th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
Betting Trends:
The Aggies have been outscored by an average of 1.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Utah State has defeated opponents by an average of 3.4 points.
During their last five games, the Wolf Pack have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (2.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (2.3 above their season average).
