It will be a battle between BigSky opponents when the Sacramento State Hornets (3-10) welcome the Portland State Vikings (7-3) to The Hornets Nest. The game is scheduled to get underway at 10:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 30, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 162 points with Portland State opening as a 7.5-point favorite.
Portland State Vikings at Sacramento State Hornets ATS Prediction
The last time the Vikings played, they thoroughly outplayed the California Golden Bears, 106-81. Portland State’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over California. The Vikings had a rate of 10.1 (better than their season average of 14.6), while the Golden Bears posted a mark of 25.8 (above their season average of 17.7). Holland Woods was a key piece for Portland State with 12 points and 13 assists.
The Hornets lost to the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos in their last game, 82-72. UC Santa Barbara’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Sacramento State. The Gauchos had a rate of 6.4 (better than their season average of 14.9), while the Hornets posted a mark of 13.3. Sacramento State’s Justin Strings had a solid game, leading the team in scoring with 19 points on 8-for-17 shooting.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Sacramento State offense. Sacramento State ranks 269th in the nation in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.6 percent), while the disruptive defense of Portland State forces the eighth-most turnovers in the NCAA (25.7 percent). This contest should be a matchup of opposite tempos. The up-and-down Vikings rank seventh in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Hornets rank 284th.
Portland State comes into the contest with records of 7-3 straight up (SU) and 10-0 against the spread (ATS). Vikings games have typically finished over the total (70.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Sacramento State owns records of 3-10 SU and 5-5-1 ATS. Unlike Portland State, games involving the Hornets have typically finished under the total (63.6 percent).
Deontae North has averaged 21.2 points and 1.4 steals over the last five games for Portland State.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. The Hornets won the last game 80-77. Getting to the free throw line was one of Sacramento State’s largest advantages. They made 31 trips to the line, while Portland State went 24 times.
Portland State Vikings vs. Sacramento State Hornets Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Portland State, ATS Winner – Portland State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Portland State is 9-0 ATS on the road with 6 overs and 3 unders.
At home, Sacramento State is 0-1-1 ATS with 1 over and 1 under.
Portland State ranks 37th in three pointers attempted per game (26.7) while Sacramento State ranks 248th (18.1).
The Vikings rank eighth in steals per game (9.8) while the Hornets rank 175th (4.9).
Sacramento State ranks 188th in rebounds allowed per game (36.8) while Portland State ranks 269th (41.9).
The Vikings rank 50th in blocks per game (4.6) while the Hornets rank 128th (3.2).
Portland State averages 15.9 assists per game, which ranks 67th in the nation. Sacramento State ranks 130th in assists allowed per game (13.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Portland State is 4-0 ATS with 4 overs.
Sacramento State is 0-3-1 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Vikings’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.0, up from 3.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hornets have scored an average of 72.8 points per game (8.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.8 points per game (3.0 above their season average).
