The Youngstown State Penguins (2-7) will attempt to put an end to their five-game losing streak when they meet the Idaho State Bengals (3-5) at Holt Arena. The game begins at 9 p.m. ET on Monday, December 18, 2017.
Idaho State opened as a 4.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 157.5 points.
Youngstown State Penguins at Idaho State Bengals ATS Prediction
The Penguins are hoping for a better outcome after their 95-67 loss to the Butler Bulldogs in their last matchup. Butler’s 16.2 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Youngstown State, who had a rate of 22.9. The Bulldogs’ mark was worse than their season average of 15.3, while the Penguins’ was above their season average of 16.1. Cameron Morse had a solid performance for Youngstown State, finishing with 16 points and five assists.
In the Bengals’ last game, they beat the Northwest Nazarene Crusaders, 73-57. The Bengals had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (43.3 vs. 20.8) and had a much better free throw rate (0.396 vs. 0.206). With 10 points and 10 rebounds, Kyle Ingram had a good performance for Idaho State.
It could be an error-filled game for the Idaho State offense. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, Idaho State ranks 204th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 19.6 percent), while the pesky defense of Youngstown State has forced the 25th-most turnovers in the NCAA (18.2 percent). Furthermore, the Penguins could control the offensive glass in this battle as they rank 27th in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 28.7 percent. The Bengals, meanwhile, rank 276th in defensive rebounding percentage (68.5 percent).
Youngstown State heads into the contest with records of 2-7 straight up (SU) and 1-6 against the spread (ATS). Of the Penguins’ 7 games with betting action, four have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Idaho State is 3-5 SU and 1-2-1 ATS. Contrary to Youngstown State, games involving the Bengals have a tendency to go under the O/U total (75.0 percent).
Youngstown State Penguins at Idaho State Bengals Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Idaho State, ATS Winner – Youngstown State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Youngstown State ranks 61st in rebounds per game (37.0) while Idaho State ranks 253rd (30.6).
The Penguins rank 69th in assists per game (15.1) while the Bengals rank 244th (10.4).
Youngstown State ranks 43rd in three pointers allowed per game (22.8) while Idaho State ranks 175th (23.2).
The Penguins average 6.5 steals per game, which ranks fifth in the nation. The Bengals rank 119th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
