The Washington State Cougars (9-9, 1-5 Pac-12) will try to end their five-game road losing streak in a matchup against the Utah Runnin’ Utes (11-7, 3-4 Pac-12) at Jon M. Huntsman Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 21, 2018, and will air on ESPNU.
Utah opened as a 10.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 146 points.
Washington State Cougars vs. Utah Runnin’ Utes ATS Prediction
In the Cougars’ last contest, they were beaten by the Colorado Buffaloes, 82-73. Colorado’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Washington State. The Buffaloes had a rate of 0.224 (below their season average of 0.252), while the Cougars posted a mark of 0.061 (below their season average of 0.184). Viont’e Daniels was the game’s high scorer with 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
The Runnin’ Utes were victorious over the Washington Huskies in their last matchup, 70-62. The Runnin’ Utes had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.375 (above their season average of 0.273) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 46.2 (above their season average of 24.1). Justin Bibbins was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 6-for-12 shooting.
Utah does a solid job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank 57th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.279), but Washington State is among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 27th by allowing a FTA rate of 0.179).
Washington State comes into the game with records of 9-9 straight up (SU) and 9-8 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to place the total high when the Cougars are involved, as 58.8 percent of their games have ended under the O/U total.
Utah is 11-7 SU, but they are just 7-7-2 ATS. Similarly to Washington State, Runnin’ Utes games also have typically gone under the projected point total (62.5 percent).
Bibbins has averaged 17.0 points, 5.6 assists and 1.4 steals over the last five games for Utah.
After the Runnin’ Utes won both games against the Cougars last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last game, Utah won 74-70. The Runnin’ Utes made 22 of their 31 free throws (71.0 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (23.3 vs. 15.2).
Washington State Cougars at Utah Runnin’ Utes Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Utah, ATS Winner – Washington State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Washington State is 4-5 ATS with 6 overs and 3 unders.
At home, Utah is 4-2-2 ATS with 5 unders, 2 overs and 1 push.
Utah ranks 52nd in three pointers attempted per game (25.3) while Washington State ranks 258th in three pointers allowed per game (25.7).
The Runnin’ Utes rank 32nd in assists allowed per game (11.1) while the Cougars rank 119th (13.3).
Utah averages 34.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 193rd in the NCAA. Washington State ranks 206th in rebounds allowed per game (37.2).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Washington State is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Utah is 0-3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Cougars have been outscored by an average of 3.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Washington State has defeated opponents by an average of 0.8 points.
During their last five games, the Runnin’ Utes have scored an average of 72.0 points per game (2.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 80.6 points per game (10.0 above their season average).
