The Montana State Bobcats (8-6, 2-1 BigSky) will be at Centrum Arena to take on the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (8-5, 1-1 BigSky) in a BigSky matchup. Action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Montana State Bobcats vs. Southern Utah Thunderbirds Betting Odds
Both teams fell in their last outing. The Thunderbirds lost a tough one against the Montana Grizzlies, 60-58, while the Bobcats were beaten by the Northern Colorado Bears, 68-59.
Montana State did a fantastic job of making free throws (9-10; 90.0 percent) while Southern Utah did a great job of converting from the charity stripe (15-21; 71.4 percent). Maizen Fausett played well for Southern Utah with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Amin Adamu, meanwhile had a good game for Montana State, contributing 26 points and six rebounds.
The Bobcats dominated this series last year, winning both contests. In the most recent matchup, Montana State won 90-83. One of Montana State’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 19-23 (82.6 percent), while the Thunderbirds were just 4-7 (57.1 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
This contest should be a matchup of conflicting styles. Southern Utah has preferred an up-and-down style of play (43rd in possessions per game), while Montana State has been slower-paced (263rd in possessions per game). Also, put-back points could be rare for the Bobcats. They rank 335th in the country in offensive rebounding percentage at 21.2 percent, while the Thunderbirds are eighth-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 78.4 percent).
Montana State Bobcats at Southern Utah Thunderbirds Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Montana State, ATS Winner – Montana State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Southern Utah ranks 33rd in rebounds per game (40.4) while Montana State ranks 193rd (34.4).
- The Thunderbirds rank 50th in assists allowed per game (10.8) while the Bobcats rank 96th (12.0).
- The Bobcats rank 29th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Thunderbirds rank 120th (3.9).
- Southern Utah ranks 61st in steals per game (7.8) while Montana State ranks 112th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Thunderbirds’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.6, down from 11.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bobcats have scored an average of 65.0 points per game (3.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.6 points per game (1.0 above their season average).
