It will be a battle between BigSky opponents when the Idaho Vandals (3-8) welcome the Idaho State Bengals (4-5) to Cowan Spectrum at the Kibbie Dome. The game is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 29, 2018.
Idaho State Bengals vs. Idaho Vandals Free Prediction
In the Bengals’ last outing, they were thoroughly outplayed by the No. 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs, 120-79. Gonzaga was successful at getting to and converting from the free throw line. The Bulldogs made 30 of their 37 free throws (81.1 percent), while the Bengals were just 9-13 (69.2 percent). Brandon Boyd was Idaho State’s high scorer with 15 points on 6-for-13 shooting.
The Vandals were blown out by the UC Irvine Anteaters in their last matchup, 86-68. UC Irvine won the rebounding battle. The Anteaters had 15 offensive rebounds and 42 total rebounds, while the Vandals had six and 22, respectively. Jared Rodriguez put together a good performance for Idaho, leading the team in scoring with 18 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
The Bengals won the sole contest against the Vandals last season, 86-83. Idaho State’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Idaho. The Bengals had a rate of 0.214, while the Vandals posted a mark of 0.090.
Idaho State could put on a ball-control clinic in this matchup. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, Idaho State ranks 56th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 18.8 percent), while Idaho has forced the first-fewest turnovers (15.9 percent).
Idaho State vs. Idaho Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Idaho State, ATS Winner – Idaho State, O/U – Under
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Idaho State averages 12.6 assists per game, which ranks 65th in the NCAA. Idaho ranks 184th in assists allowed per game (12.6).
The Bengals average 22.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 69th in the nation. The Vandals rank 185th in three pointers allowed per game (24.4).
Idaho State ranks 31st in steals allowed per game (5.7) while Idaho ranks 76th (5.5).
The Bengals allow the 48th-fewest blocks per game (2.8) while the Vandals rank 53rd (2.4).
Idaho ranks 107th in rebounds per game (36.9) while Idaho State ranks 112th in rebounds allowed per game (34.7).
*****
