The Utah Valley Wolverines (8-4) welcome the Idaho State Bengals (4-3) to UCCU Events Center as they attempt to continue their five-game home winning streak. The game begins at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.
Idaho State Bengals vs. Utah Valley Wolverines Free Prediction
The Bengals are trying to rebound after their 120-79 loss to the No. 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs in their last outing. Gonzaga was successful at getting and making free throws. 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.
In the Wolverines’ last outing, they won big over the Westminster (UT) Griffins, 96-71. The Wolverines had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.2 vs. 13.3) and had a much better turnover percentage (9.5 vs. 20.3). Jake Toolson was the game’s high scorer with 22 points on 9-for-14 shooting from the field.
The Wolverines won the lone contest against the Bengals last season, 84-71. The Wolverines had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.7 vs. 10.0) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.577 vs. 0.534).
Utah Valley appears to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Wolverines rank 50th in effective field goal percentage (0.552), while Idaho State ranks 241st in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.515) since last season. Additionally, second chance points could be tough to come by for the Bengals. They rank 312th in the country in offensive rebounding percentage at 23.3 percent, while the Wolverines have been fifth-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 75.0 percent).
Idaho State at Utah Valley Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Utah Valley, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Utah Valley averages 38.1 rebounds per game, which ranks 77th in the nation. Idaho State ranks 119th in rebounds allowed per game (34.8).
The Wolverines rank 49th in blocks allowed per game (3.1) while the Bengals rank 58th (2.9).
Utah Valley averages 15.7 assists per game, which ranks 85th in the nation. Idaho State ranks 92nd in assists allowed per game (12.7).
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