It will be a battle between MWC opponents when the San Diego State Aztecs (8-4, 0-1 MWC) welcome the Utah State Aggies (8-6, 1-0 MWC) to Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl. The game will air on ESPN 3 at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 30, 2017.
San Diego State opened as a 10-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 142 points.
Utah State Aggies vs. San Diego State Aztecs ATS Prediction
In the Aggies’ last contest, they defeated the San Jose State Spartans, 86-72. Utah State had a turnover percentage of 5.1 (better than their season average of 16.7). San Jose State, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.5 (above their season average of 32.1). With 24 points on 8-for-19 shooting, Koby McEwen was the top scorer from either team.
The Aztecs lost to the Wyoming Cowboys in their last outing, 82-69. Wyoming’s 0.271 free throw rate was their biggest strength over San Diego State, who had a mark of 0.164. The Cowboys’ mark was above their season average of 0.268, while the Aztecs’ was below their season average of 0.292. Malik Pope put together a good performance for San Diego State, leading the team in scoring with 21 points on 10-for-22 shooting.
The aggressive San Diego State offense could be getting to the foul line a lot in this contest. The Aztecs rank 59th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.281, while Utah State is among the NCAA’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 236th-ranked FTA rate of 0.255).
Utah State holds records of 8-6 straight up (SU) and 5-6 against the spread (ATS). Of the Aggies’ 11 games with betting action, six have finished under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, San Diego State owns records of 8-4 SU and 6-4 ATS. Of the Aztecs’ 10 games that accepted bets, 6 have finished over the O/U total.
After the Aztecs won both games against the Aggies last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, San Diego State won 66-62. The Aztecs’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Aggies. San Diego State had a rate of 12.3, while Utah State posted a mark of 19.9.
Utah State Aggies vs. San Diego State Aztecs Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Utah State, ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah State is 3-3 ATS on the road with 4 unders, 1 over and 1 push.
San Diego State is 3-1 ATS at home with 3 unders and 1 over.
San Diego State ranks 20th in rebounds per game (40.9) while Utah State ranks 171st (35.0).
The Aggies rank 84th in three pointers attempted per game (24.3) while the Aztecs rank 217th in three pointers allowed per game (25.2).
Utah State averages 5.9 steals per game, which ranks 134th in the NCAA. San Diego State ranks 145th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
The Aggies average 13.9 assists per game, which ranks 130th in the NCAA. The Aztecs rank 131st in assists allowed per game (13.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Utah State is 1-3 ATS with 2 overs, 1 under and 1 push.
San Diego State is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Aggies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.6, up from 5.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Aztecs have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (8.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (1.4 below their season average).
