The Montana Grizzlies (12-5, 5-0 BigSky) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they meet the Portland State Vikings (12-5, 2-2 BigSky) at Pamplin Sports Center. The game gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 13, 2018.
Montana Grizzlies at Portland State Vikings Free Prediction
In the Grizzlies’ last game, they defeated the Sacramento State Hornets, 78-66. Montana out-rebounded Sacramento State. The Grizzlies had 15 offensive rebounds and 36 total rebounds, while the Hornets had six and 22, respectively. With 23 points on 8-for-15 shooting, Ahmaad Rorie was the game’s leading scorer.
The Vikings had no trouble getting past the Montana State Bobcats in their last matchup, 93-74. Portland State’s 18.7 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Montana State, who had a rate of 24.4. The Vikings’ mark was worse than their season average of 13.0, while the Bobcats’ was above their season average of 15.5. Deontae North was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points on 8-for-17 shooting.
Ball security could play a key role in this meeting. Portland State commits the 18th-fewest miscues in the nation (turnover percentage of 15.7 percent), while the gambling defense of Montana forces the 16th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.1 percent). Also, the Grizzlies rank 20th in offensive rebounding percentage (36.1 percent), while the Vikings rank 305th in defensive rebounding percentage (67.2 percent).
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Grizzlies won the last matchup 85-82. Montana had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.4 vs. 22.9). Portland State, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.386 vs. 0.379).
Montana Grizzlies at Portland State Vikings ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Portland State, ATS Winner – Portland State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Portland State ranks 16th in three pointers attempted per game (28.2) while Montana ranks 256th (17.4).
The Grizzlies rank 32nd in rebounds allowed per game (31.5) while the Vikings rank 248th (39.2).
Montana ranks ninth in assists allowed per game (9.9) while Portland State ranks 206th (15.7).
The Vikings rank 62nd in blocks per game (4.2) while the Grizzlies rank 152nd in blocks allowed per game (4.9).
Portland State ranks first in steals per game (12.0) while Montana ranks 40th in steals allowed per game (5.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Grizzlies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.8, up from 8.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Vikings have scored an average of 84.2 points per game (5.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.6 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
