The Utah State Aggies (10-4, 0-1 MWC) welcome the Air Force Falcons (5-8, 0-1 MWC) to Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The Aggies look to extend their five-game winning streak. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Air Force Falcons at Utah State Aggies ATS Odds
Both teams won big over their last opponent. The Aggies defeated the Montana State Bobcats 101-71, while the Falcons beat the Johnson & Wales (CO) Wildcats 90-65.
Air Force dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 43.3 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.648. Johnson & Wales (CO) was 17.9 and 0.466, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Utah State played a nearly perfect game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 44.4 and a turnover percentage of 13.0. For those same stats, Montana State had marks of 12.5 and 16.1, respectively. Utah State’s Sam Merrill had a solid performance, recording 37 points. Meanwhile, Ryan Swan played a pivotal role for Air Force with 10 points and eight rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Falcons won the most recent contest 75-65. Getting to the free throw line was one of Air Force’s largest strengths. They made 26 trips to the line, while Utah State went 19 times. This will be the first contest of the year between these two teams.
Merrill has taken his game to another level as of late for Utah State, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
This game should be a showdown of conflicting tempos. Utah State has preferred a fast-paced style of play (94th in possessions per game), while Air Force has been slower-paced (286th in possessions per game). Moreover, the Falcons’ 286th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 98.9) will clash against the Aggies’ 18th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 89.4).
Air Force at Utah State ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Utah State, ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Utah State ranks 11th in rebounds per game (42.6) while Air Force ranks 216th (33.7).
- The Aggies rank 43rd in assists per game (15.8) while the Falcons rank 138th (13.2).
- The Aggies rank 49th in blocks per game (4.4) while the Falcons rank 166th (1.9).
- Utah State averages 7.4 steals per game, which ranks 70th in the nation. Air Force ranks 171st in steals allowed per game (8.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Falcons have scored an average of 69.2 points per game (2.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.0 points per game (2.1 below their season average).
- The Aggies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 25.6, up from 13.7 for the season.
