It will be a matchup between the nation’s top two scoring defenses when the Utah Runnin’ Utes (4-1) go head-to-head against the Idaho State Bengals (2-2). Action begins at 9:00 pm ET on Friday, Nov. 27 and will air on PAC.
The Runnin’ Utes enter this game hoping for similar success after beating Temple 74-68 in their last matchup. Jakob Poeltl fueled the Runnin’ Utes, recording his third double-double this season with 32 points and 11 rebounds. The Bengals, meanwhile, are coming off a 79-69 loss at the hands of Denver in their last game. Ethan Telfair had a good game for Idaho State, posting 12 points, eight assists, and three rebounds.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Utah, a heavy 27-point favorite, takes on Idaho State. The Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at 146 points for this matchup. The Runnin’ Utes enter the game with records of 4-1 Straight Up (SU) and 1-3-1 Against The Spread (ATS). Opposing offenses have been stifled by the Runnin’ Utes, who allow a Division I-low field goal percentage of only .446. Utah will look to take advantage of the Bengals and their propensity to foul. Idaho State ranks 319th in the nation in fouls, averaging 24.5 per game.
As for their opponent, the Bengals have a 2-2 SU record and have covered the spread in all of their matchups so far. Idaho State’s defense has set the standard for nation, with opponents shooting a Division I-low .466 from the field.
This game marks the first time these teams will play this season. The last time Utah and Idaho State played, Utah won, moving its SU record against the Bengals to 6-1. However, Idaho State holds the advantage ATS with a record of 4-3.
Predictions: SU Winner – IdaSt, ATS Winner – IdaSt, O/U – Over
Notes
Utah is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Utah’s last 5 games.
Utah is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games.
Utah is 23-2 SU in its last 25 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Utah’s last 6 games at home.
Utah is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Idaho State.
The Idaho State Bengals have the best defense in the country, giving up just 112.0 points per 100 possessions. The Utah Runnin’ Utes have the 95th-ranked offense, scoring 112.1 points in the same number of possessions.
The Idaho State Bengals average 72.7 possessions per game and 1.115 points per possession. The Utah Runnin’ Utes earn fewer possessions with 67.1, but they score more points with 1.121.
Idaho State has an average effective field goal percentage of 52.3%. Utah is an even 1-1 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
On average, Utah attempts 24.0 three pointers and Idaho State attempts 30.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Utah Runnin’ Utes have a winning 4-1 record while the Idaho State Bengals are even at 2-2.
Utah makes an average of 4.2 steals per game. When Idaho State gives up 4 or more steals, the team has an even 1-1 record.
