The Oregon State Beavers (9-4, 1-0 Pac-12) welcome the Utah Runnin’ Utes (9-3, 1-0 Pac-12) to Gill Coliseum as they look to continue their six-game home winning streak. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 31, 2017, and will air on Pac-12 Network.
Utah is a 1-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 140 points.
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. Oregon State Beavers ATS Prediction
The last time the Runnin’ Utes played, they beat the Oregon Ducks, 66-56. Utah’s 4.6 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Oregon, who had a rate of 17.8. The Runnin’ Utes’ mark was better than their season average of 16.9. Utah received a boost from Tyler Rawson, who put up 10 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
The Beavers dismantled the Colorado Buffaloes in their last game, 76-57. The Beavers had a better free throw rate (0.259 vs. 0.172) and held the Buffaloes to an effective field goal percentage of 0.405 (below their season average of 0.513). With 23 points and six assists, Oregon State’s Tres Tinkle played well.
The aggressive Oregon State offense seems poised to dominate from the charity stripe. The Beavers rank 10th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.327, while Utah ranks 155th in FTA rate allowed (0.221).
Utah heads into the game with records of 9-3 straight up (SU) and 6-4 against the spread (ATS). Of the Runnin’ Utes’ 10 games that accepted bets, six have finished under the O/U total.
Oregon State has a solid 9-4 SU record, but they have a difficult time covering the spread (4-9 ATS). Vegas has been spot on when predicting totals of Beavers games, with an even split between overs and unders.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last matchup, the Beavers won 68-67. Oregon State’s 0.182 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Utah, who had a rate of 0.093.
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. Oregon State Beavers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Utah, ATS Winner – Utah, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah is 2-3 ATS on the road with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Oregon State is 2-6 ATS at home with 4 overs and 3 unders.
Utah ranks 57th in three pointers attempted per game (25.4) while Oregon State ranks 232nd (18.4).
The Beavers average 7.2 steals per game, which ranks 68th in the NCAA. The Runnin’ Utes rank 103rd in steals allowed per game (6.3).
Oregon State ranks 49th in blocks per game (4.6) while Utah ranks 76th (3.9).
The Runnin’ Utes rank 17th in assists allowed per game (10.2) while the Beavers rank 32nd (11.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Utah is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders, 1 over and 1 push.
Oregon State is 2-3 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Runnin’ Utes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 9.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Beavers have scored an average of 74.4 points per game (1.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.6 points per game (4.6 below their season average).
