It will be a battle between MWC opponents when the San Diego State Aztecs (11-7, 3-4 MWC) welcome the Colorado State Rams (10-11, 3-5 MWC) to Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl. The game starts at 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
San Diego State is a 14-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 144 points.
Colorado State Rams vs. San Diego State Aztecs Betting Prediction
The Rams are trying to rebound after their 79-74 loss to the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels in their last contest. One of UNLV’s biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 17-20 (85.0 percent), while the Rams were 15-20 (75.0 percent). Raquan Mitchell put together a solid outing for Colorado State, contributing 17 points and seven rebounds.
In the Aztecs’ last game, they fell to the New Mexico Lobos, 79-75. New Mexico’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over San Diego State. The Lobos had a rate of 6.8 (better than their season average of 15.2), while the Aztecs posted a mark of 15.1. With 16 points and eight rebounds, San Diego State’s Malik Pope had a good game.
San Diego State appears to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Aztecs currently rank 83rd in offensive efficiency, while the Rams rank 259th in defensive efficiency.
Colorado State holds records of 10-11 straight up (SU) and 6-10-1 against the spread (ATS). Rams games have a tendency to finish over the total (58.8 percent).
Meanwhile, San Diego State owns records of 11-7 SU and 10-6 ATS. Similarly to Colorado State, games featuring the Aztecs also tend to go over the O/U total (62.5 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Nico Carvacho (13.4 rebounds, 9.2 points and 1.6 blocks) has been stellar for the Rams while Jalen McDaniels (15.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.2 blocks) has made great contributions to the Aztecs.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. McDaniels put up 19 points and 10 rebounds in the first matchup, in which the Aztecs beat the Rams 77-68, covering as 7-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 145 points, which was just 2 points above the projected point total of 143 points. The Aztecs had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (44.1 vs. 30.2) and had a better free throw rate (0.207 vs. 0.161).
Colorado State Rams vs. San Diego State Aztecs Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – San Diego State, ATS Winner – Colorado State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Colorado State is 3-6 ATS on the road with 7 overs and 2 unders.
At home, San Diego State is 5-2 ATS with 5 unders and 2 overs.
San Diego State averages 39.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 41st in the NCAA. Colorado State ranks 179th in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
The Aztecs rank 151st in three pointers attempted per game (21.7) while the Rams rank 257th in three pointers allowed per game (25.7).
Colorado State ranks 26th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while San Diego State ranks 116th (3.7).
The Aztecs rank 97th in assists per game (14.6) while the Rams rank 177th in assists allowed per game (14.5).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Colorado State is 3-1-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
San Diego State is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Rams have outscored opponents by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Colorado State has lost by an average of 4.1 points.
During their last five games, the Aztecs have scored an average of 78.0 points per game (0.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.2 points per game (4.0 above their season average).
