The UC Irvine Anteaters (7-1) challenge the Utah State Aggies (6-1) at the Bren Events Center. The game gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 1, 2018.
Utah State Aggies at UC Irvine Anteaters ATS Prediction
In the Aggies’ last outing, they thoroughly outplayed the UNI Panthers, 71-52. The Aggies made 16 of their 22 free throws (72.7 percent) and held the Panthers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.379 (below their season average of 0.494). Utah State was led by Sam Merrill, who was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
The Anteaters beat the Saint Mary’s Gaels in their last contest, 80-75. UC Irvine’s 27.3 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Saint Mary’s, who had a rate of 17.9. The Anteaters’ mark was below their season average of 37.1, while the Gaels’ was below their season average of 30.0. Evan Leonard was UC Irvine’s top scorer with 22 points on 7-for-11 shooting from the field.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Anteaters rank 37th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.7 percent), while Utah State ranks 41st in defensive rebounding percentage (74.9 percent) since the 2017-18 season. Additionally, the elite offense of the Aggies ranks 60th in effective field goal percentage (0.539), while the Anteaters have been third-best in the nation at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.443).
The Aggies won the lone contest against the Anteaters last season, 62-59. The Aggies had a better turnover percentage (12.1 vs. 15.4) and had a better free throw rate (0.224 vs. 0.207).
Utah State Aggies at UC Irvine Anteaters Pick
Pick: SU Winner – UC Irvine, ATS Winner – UC Irvine, O/U – Under
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
UC Irvine ranks 62nd in blocks per game (4.1) while Utah State ranks 248th (2.5).
*****
