The Montana Grizzlies (13-5, 6-0 BigSky) will attempt to continue their six-game winning streak against the Montana State Bobcats (11-8, 4-2 BigSky) at Max Worthington Arena. The game begins at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
Montana opened as a 7-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 148.5 points.
Montana Grizzlies vs. Montana State Bobcats Betting Prediction
In the Grizzlies’ last matchup, they beat the Portland State Vikings, 92-89. One of Montana’s largest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They had 47 free throw attempts, while Portland State had just 22. Montana received a boost from Michael Oguine, who was the game’s leading scorer with 39 points on 12-for-17 shooting.
The Bobcats lost big to the Sacramento State Hornets in their last contest, 87-68. Sacramento State’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Montana State. The Hornets had a rate of 40.7 (above their season average of 23.9), while the Bobcats posted a mark of 27.3. Montana State’s Tyler Hall put together a solid game, leading the team in scoring with 20 points on 6-for-13 shooting.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Montana State offense. Montana State ranks 153rd in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.5 percent), while the pesky defense of Montana forces the 18th-most turnovers in the nation (23.7 percent). Moreover, the Grizzlies are among the nation’s best at getting to the line, ranking 28th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.292). The Bobcats, meanhwile, rank 300th at keeping opponents off the charity stripe with an opponents’ FTA rate of 0.286.
Hall has averaged 24.2 points and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Montana State.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Bobcats won the most recent contest 78-69. The Bobcats had a much better free throw rate (0.490 vs. 0.327) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (16.1 vs. 10.8).
Montana Grizzlies vs. Montana State Bobcats Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Montana, ATS Winner – Montana, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Montana State ranks 117th in three pointers attempted per game (22.9) while Montana ranks 263rd (17.1).
The Grizzlies rank 23rd in steals per game (8.3) while the Bobcats rank 134th (5.9).
Montana ranks 34th in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while Montana State ranks 143rd (35.4).
The Grizzlies rank 11th in assists allowed per game (10.1) while the Bobcats rank 73rd (12.3).
Montana averages 3.8 blocks per game, which ranks 86th in the nation. Montana State ranks 116th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Grizzlies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 16.8, up from 8.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bobcats have scored an average of 74.6 points per game (2.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.0 points per game (matching their season average).
