It will be a battle between BigSky opponents when the Idaho State Bengals (5-6, 1-1 BigSky) welcome the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (5-6, 0-2 BigSky) to Holt Arena. The game gets underway at 9:05 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs. Idaho State Bengals Free Prediction
The last time the Thunderbirds played, they dismantled the West Coast Baptist Eagles, 109-63. The Thunderbirds had a much better turnover percentage (9.9 vs. 32.0) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 17.1). Southern Utah was led by Dwayne Morgan, who was the team’s high scorer with 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
The Bengals were blown out by the No. 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs in their last outing, 120-79. Gonzaga was successful at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Bulldogs made 30 of their 37 free throws (81.1 percent), while the Bengals were just 9-13 (69.2 percent). Idaho State’s Brandon Boyd had a solid game, leading the team in scoring with 15 points on 6-for-13 shooting.
After the Thunderbirds won two out of three games against the Bengals last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last contest, Southern Utah won 76-68. The Thunderbirds made 21 of their 26 free throws (80.8 percent) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (26.5 vs. 23.1).
Contrasting tempos will be on display in this showdown. Southern Utah has preferred a fast-paced style of play (16th in possessions per game), while Idaho State has been more methodical (232nd in possessions per game).
Southern Utah vs. Idaho State Betting Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Idaho State, ATS Winner – Southern Utah, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Idaho State ranks 110th in rebounds allowed per game (34.5) while Southern Utah ranks 250th (41.1).
The Thunderbirds rank 36th in steals per game (8.1) while the Bengals rank 171st (5.2).
Idaho State averages 25.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 56th in the NCAA. Southern Utah ranks 140th in three pointers allowed per game (22.7).
The Bengals average 14.6 assists per game, which ranks 81st in the NCAA. The Thunderbirds rank 129th in assists allowed per game (13.5).
Idaho State ranks 44th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Southern Utah ranks 89th (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Thunderbirds’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.6, up from 0.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bengals have scored an average of 84.8 points per game (8.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 86.0 points per game (8.4 above their season average).
