The Oregon Ducks (10-3) welcome the Utah Runnin’ Utes (8-3) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against superb defense. The game is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, December 29, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 149 points with Oregon set as a 9.5-point favorite.
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. Oregon Ducks ATS Prediction
The Runnin’ Utes will be looking for a similar result after blowing out the Northwestern State Demons in their last matchup, 84-62. The Runnin’ Utes knocked down 17 of their 23 free throws (73.9 percent) and held the Demons to an effective field goal percentage of 0.373 (below their season average of 0.448). With 25 points on 8-for-14 shooting, Justin Bibbins was the top scorer from either team.
In the Ducks’ last game, they were victorious over the Central Arkansas Bears, 96-82. The Ducks, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.1, had an absurd mark of 34.6, while the Bears had a free throw rate of 0.145 (below their season average of 0.239). Payton Pritchard led Oregon in scoring with 24 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
This battle pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Oregon currently ranks 42nd in offensive efficiency and Utah ranks 54th in defensive efficiency. Moreover, put-back points figure to be tough to come by for the Runnin’ Utes. They rank 279th in the NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 25.9 percent, while the Ducks are 44th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 75.2 percent).
Utah comes into the game with records of 8-3 straight up (SU) and 5-4 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to place the total high when the Runnin’ Utes are involved, as five of their 9 games have gone under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Oregon owns records of 10-3 SU and 5-7 ATS. Contrary to Utah, games featuring the Ducks have typically gone over the O/U total (63.6 percent).
Troy Brown has averaged 11.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games for Oregon.
After the Ducks won both games against the Runnin’ Utes last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Oregon won 79-61. Making free throws was one of Oregon’s biggest strengths. They were 10-11 (90.9 percent), while the Runnin’ Utes were just 6-11 (54.5 percent).
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. Oregon Ducks Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Oregon, ATS Winner – Utah, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah is 1-3 ATS on the road with 2 overs and 2 unders.
Oregon is 4-4 ATS at home with 5 overs and 2 unders.
Utah averages 25.3 three pointers per game, which ranks 55th in the nation. Oregon ranks 175th in three pointers allowed per game (23.5).
The Ducks rank 37th in rebounds allowed per game (31.6) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 126th (34.6).
Oregon ranks 15th in blocks per game (6.1) while Utah ranks 86th (3.8).
The Ducks rank 42nd in assists per game (16.6) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 71st (15.7).
Oregon ranks 103rd in steals per game (6.5) while Utah ranks 128th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Utah is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders, 1 over and 1 push.
Oregon is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Runnin’ Utes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, down from 9.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Ducks have scored an average of 85.6 points per game (0.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.0 points per game (1.2 above their season average).
