It will be a battle between MWC opponents when the Air Force Falcons (8-10, 2-4 MWC) welcome the Fresno State Bulldogs (14-6, 4-3 MWC) to Clune Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018.
Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Air Force Falcons Betting Prediction
The last time the Bulldogs played, they topped the San Diego State Aztecs, 77-73. The Bulldogs had a turnover percentage of 12.1 (better than their season average of 15.5) and held the Aztecs to an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.4 (below their season average of 33.0). Nate Grimes had a good game for Fresno State, recording 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The Falcons beat the Colorado State Rams in their last outing, 76-71. The Falcons made 14 of their 17 free throws (82.4 percent) and held the Rams to an effective field goal percentage of 0.404 (below their season average of 0.465). Trevor Lyons was the game’s high scorer with 22 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Air Force ranks 304th in possessions per game (67.0) and Fresno State is 277th (67.9). Also, the 24th-ranked offense of the Bulldogs (offensive efficiency of 116.1) will clash against the 285th-ranked defense of the Falcons (defensive efficiency of 107.5).
Ryan Swan-Ford has averaged 14.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Air Force.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Deshon Taylor scored a game-high 18 points and the Bulldogs beat the Falcons 71-59. The Bulldogs’ 36.0 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Falcons, who had a rate of 19.4.
Fresno State Bulldogs at Air Force Falcons Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Fresno State, ATS Winner – Fresno State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Fresno State ranks 24th in three pointers allowed per game (18.2) while Air Force ranks 204th (23.6).
The Bulldogs rank 47th in assists allowed per game (11.7) while the Falcons rank 167th (14.4).
Fresno State ranks 23rd in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Air Force ranks 91st (6.2).
The Bulldogs rank ninth in rebounds allowed per game (30.1) while the Falcons rank 71st (33.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.6, down from 10.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Falcons have scored an average of 72.8 points per game (3.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.0 points per game (4.3 above their season average).
