It will be a battle between MWC opponents when the Utah State Aggies (8-7, 1-1 MWC) welcome the Fresno State Bulldogs (11-4, 1-1 MWC) to Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 3, 2018.
Fresno State opened as a 1-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 142 points.
Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Utah State Aggies Free Prediction
The Bulldogs come in on a high note after defeating the Air Force Falcons in their last matchup, 71-59. Fresno State’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Air Force. The Bulldogs had a rate of 36.0 (above their season average of 34.2), while the Falcons posted a mark of 19.4 (below their season average of 29.9). With 18 points on 4-for-10 shooting, Deshon Taylor was the top scorer from either team.
The last time the Aggies played, they got blown out by the San Diego State Aztecs, 79-59. San Diego State out-rebounded Utah State. The Aztecs had 12 offensive rebounds and 36 total rebounds, while the Aggies had four and 27, respectively. Sam Merrill had a solid performance for Utah State, leading both teams in scoring with 18 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams battle. Utah State currently ranks 251st in possessions per game (68.8) and Fresno State is 310th (67.3).
Fresno State heads into the game with records of 11-4 straight up (SU) and 5-6 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to place the total low when the Bulldogs are involved, as 63.6 percent of their games have ended over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Utah State is 8-7 SU and 5-7 ATS. Unlike Fresno State, games featuring the Aggies tend to go under the total (58.3 percent).
Jahmel Taylor has averaged 11.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists over the last five games for Fresno State.
After the Aggies won the sole game against the Bulldogs last season, 78-65, these teams will clash for the first time this year. The Aggies knocked down 29 of their 39 free throws (74.4 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.628 vs. 0.367).
Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Utah State Aggies ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Fresno State, ATS Winner – Fresno State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Fresno State is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
At home, Utah State is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Utah State ranks 85th in three pointers attempted per game (24.3) while Fresno State ranks 231st (18.4).
The Bulldogs rank second in rebounds allowed per game (28.6) while the Aggies rank 130th (35.0).
Fresno State ranks 47th in steals per game (7.7) while Utah State ranks 138th (5.7).
The Bulldogs rank 32nd in assists allowed per game (11.1) while the Aggies rank 110th (13.1).
Utah State ranks 50th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while Fresno State ranks 96th (3.5).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Fresno State is 0-3 ATS with 3 unders.
Utah State is 1-3 ATS with 2 overs, 1 under and 1 push over their last five games.
The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.6, down from 12.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (5.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (3.0 above their season average).
