It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the Utah Runnin’ Utes (8-8, 2-2 Pac-12) welcome the Colorado Buffaloes (10-6, 1-3 Pac-12) to the Jon M. Huntsman Center. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 20, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Colorado Buffaloes at Utah Runnin’ Utes Free Prediction
The last time the Buffaloes played, they were beaten by the Washington Huskies, 77-70. Washington’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Colorado. The Huskies had a rate of 0.643 (above their season average of 0.513), while the Buffaloes posted a mark of 0.500. D’Shawn Schwartz was the game’s high scorer with 22 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
The Runnin’ Utes dismantled the Washington State Cougars in their last outing, 88-70. Utah’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Washington State. The Runnin’ Utes had a rate of 0.625 (above their season average of 0.547), while the Cougars posted a mark of 0.398 (below their season average of 0.544). Timmy Allen led Utah in scoring with 15 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, the Runnin’ Utes won 64-54. The Runnin’ Utes made 20 of their 26 free throws (76.9 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.489 vs. 0.392).
The sharp-shooting offense of Utah (46th in the nation with an effective field goal percentage 0.552) will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Colorado (150th in effective field goal percentage allowed 0.493). The Runnin’ Utes should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Colorado Buffaloes at Utah Runnin’ Utes Free Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Utah, ATS Winner – Utah, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Colorado ranks 14th in assists allowed per game (10.1) while Utah ranks 151st (13.8).
The Buffaloes rank 17th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 107th (3.6).
Utah averages 25.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 72nd in the country. Colorado ranks 99th in three pointers allowed per game (21.6).
The Runnin’ Utes rank 27th in rebounds allowed per game (31.1) while the Buffaloes rank 47th (32.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Buffaloes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.0, down from 8.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Runnin’ Utes have scored an average of 77.8 points per game (2.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 79.0 points per game (5.0 above their season average).
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