The Montana Grizzlies (10-4, 3-0 BigSky) will attempt to extend their five-game home winning streak when they take on the Portland State Vikings (5-8, 0-2 BigSky), who look to snap their five-game road losing streak. The game is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Portland State Vikings vs. Montana Grizzlies Betting Prediction
In the Vikings’ last matchup, they were blown out by the No. 14 Oregon Ducks, 84-57. Getting to the free throw line was one of Oregon’s biggest advantages. They had 33 free throw attempts, while Portland State had just 16. Jamie Orme had a solid performance for Portland State, putting up 11 points and five rebounds.
The Grizzlies beat the Georgia State Panthers in their last outing, 81-74. Getting to the free throw line was one of Montana’s largest strengths. They had 43 free throw attempts, while Georgia State had just 24. With 15 points and 10 rebounds, Montana’s Michael Oguine had a solid performance.
The upper-echelon offense of Montana will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Portland State. The Grizzlies rank 15th in effective field goal percentage (0.572), while the Vikings are 250th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.515). The Grizzlies figure to have the advantage on that end of the court. This contest should be a battle of opposite paces. The up-tempo Vikings rank 30th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Grizzlies rank 274th.
Ahmaad Rorie and Oguine have been playing well over the last five games for Montana. Rorie has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Oguine has put up 0 points a game during that span.
After the Grizzlies won both matchups against the Vikings last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last contest, Montana won 80-60. The Grizzlies made 22 of their 29 free throws (75.9 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.475 vs. 0.358).
Portland State Vikings at Montana Grizzlies Odds Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Montana, ATS Winner – Portland State, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Montana ranks 22nd in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Portland State ranks 127th (4.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Vikings’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.6, up from 4.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 80.6 points per game (5.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.2 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
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