It will be a battle between Pac-12 opponents when the Utah Runnin’ Utes (10-7, 2-4 Pac-12) welcome the Washington Huskies (13-5, 3-2 Pac-12) to Jon M. Huntsman Center. The game will air on Pac-12 Network at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 18, 2018.
Utah opened as a 7.5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 144.5 points.
Washington Huskies at Utah Runnin’ Utes Betting Prediction
In the Huskies’ last contest, they were beaten by the Stanford Cardinal, 73-64. Stanford won the rebounding battle. The Cardinal had 14 offensive rebounds and 48 total rebounds, while the Huskies had three and 28, respectively. Jaylen Nowell was the game’s high scorer with 20 points on 5-for-13 shooting.
The Runnin’ Utes were beaten by the No. 25 USC Trojans in their last contest, 84-67. USC’s 8.5 turnover percentage was their largest strength over Utah, who had a mark of 22.9. The Trojans’ mark was better than their season average of 14.1, while the Runnin’ Utes’ was above their season average of 16.3. Utah’s Jayce Johnson contributed 14 points and nine rebounds in the contest.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Utah figures to have a substantial edge. The upper-echelon Runnin’ Utes offense ranks 76th in the nation in that metric at 0.541, while the Washington defense is ranked 227th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.513).
Washington is 13-5 straight up (SU), but they are just 7-8-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to place the total high when the Huskies are involved, as 56.3 percent of their games have ended under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Utah is 10-7 SU and 7-7-1 ATS. Much like Washington, games including the Runnin’ Utes also have a tendency to go under the O/U total (60.0 percent).
Justin Bibbins has averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Utah.
After the Runnin’ Utes won both meetings against the Huskies last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the last contest, Utah won 85-61. The Runnin’ Utes had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (51.7 vs. 27.3) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.648 vs. 0.491).
Washington Huskies vs. Utah Runnin’ Utes ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Washington, ATS Winner – Washington, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Washington is 4-2 ATS on the road with 3 overs and 3 unders.
At home, Utah is 4-2-1 ATS with 4 unders, 2 overs and 1 push.
Utah ranks 37th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while Washington ranks 222nd (16.1).
The Huskies rank 12th in steals per game (8.9) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 184th (4.7).
Washington ranks 14th in blocks per game (5.7) while Utah ranks 99th (3.5).
The Runnin’ Utes rank 56th in three pointers attempted per game (25.2) while the Huskies rank 114th in three pointers allowed per game (21.5).
Utah ranks 198th in rebounds per game (34.1) while Washington ranks 235th (32.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Washington is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Utah is 1-3-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Huskies have been outscored by an average of 1.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Washington has defeated opponents by an average of 2.9 points.
During their last five games, the Runnin’ Utes have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (3.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 81.0 points per game (9.9 above their season average).
