The Utah Runnin’ Utes (5-1) square off with the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (4-1) at Jon M. Huntsman Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017, and will air on Pac-12 Network.
Utah is a 14.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 142.5 points.
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors vs. Utah Runnin’ Utes Free Prediction
The last time the Rainbow Warriors played, they beat the Adams State Grizzlies, 87-77. Getting to the free throw line was one of Hawaii’s biggest advantages. They had 37 free throw attempts, while Adams State had just 19. With 19 points on 4-for-11 shooting, Gibson Johnson was the game’s high scorer.
The Runnin’ Utes beat the Eastern Washington Eagles in their last matchup, 85-69. The Runnin’ Utes knocked down 16 of their 20 free throws (80.0 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.595 (above their season average of 0.527). David Collette was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points on 11-for-12 shooting.
Utah could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they square off against one of the nation’s worst offenses. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Runnin’ Utes rank 38th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.468), while Hawaii is 264th in effective field goal percentage (0.489).
Hawaii is 4-1 straight up (SU), but they are just 1-3 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Rainbow Warriors have no tendency in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Utah is 5-1 SU and 3-1 ATS. Much like to Hawaii, games including the Runnin’ Utes have no tendency in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
The Runnin’ Utes won the only contest against the Rainbow Warriors last season, 66-52. Utah had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (23.1 vs. 13.5). Hawaii, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of making free throws (16-20; 80.0 percent).
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors vs. Utah Runnin’ Utes Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Utah, ATS Winner – Utah, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Utah ranks 55th in rebounds per game (38.3) while Hawaii ranks 287th (32.9).
The Runnin’ Utes rank 121st in blocks per game (3.6) while the Rainbow Warriors rank 276th (2.0).
Hawaii ranks 27th in three pointers allowed per game (18.5) while Utah ranks 96th (20.1).
The Runnin’ Utes rank 183rd in steals allowed per game (6.5) while the Rainbow Warriors rank 229th (6.9).
Hawaii is 13th in the NCAA with 10.5 assists allowed per game while Utah is 29th with 11.2 assists allowed per game.
