Expect a low-scoring game when the Fresno State Bulldogs (11-3, 2-0 MWC) challenge the Utah State Aggies (11-4, 1-1 MWC) at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The game gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Fresno State Bulldogs at Utah State Aggies Betting Odds
Both teams won big over their last opponent. The Aggies defeated the Montana State Bobcats 101-71, while the Bulldogs beat the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves 91-63.
Fresno State dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.344 and a turnover percentage of 9.9. Alaska-Anchorage recorded marks of 0.169 and 19.3, respectively, for those same stats. Utah State, meanwhile, dominated nearly every stat category in their game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 44.4 and a turnover percentage of 13.0. For those same stats, Montana State recorded marks of 12.5 and 16.1, respectively. Sam Merrill put together a good outing for Utah State with 37 points. Fresno State was lifted by Braxton Huggins, who finished with 23 points.
The Aggies dominated this series last year, taking both contests. In the most recent game, Utah State won 65-62. The Aggies’ 11.0 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Bulldogs, who had a rate of 20.7. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Bulldogs’ Deshon Taylor has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Merrill has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Aggies.
Points could be at a premium in this contest between two of the nation’s top defenses. Utah State currently ranks 17th in defensive efficiency (89.9) and Fresno State is 46th (92.9).
Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Utah State Aggies Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Utah State, ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Utah State ranks 11th in rebounds per game (42.3) while Fresno State ranks 132nd (36.4).
- The Bulldogs average 4.1 blocks per game, which ranks 60th in the country. The Aggies rank 100th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
- Fresno State averages 16.0 assists per game, which ranks 45th in the country. Utah State ranks 33rd in assists allowed per game (10.7).
- The Bulldogs average 26.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 55th in the nation. The Aggies rank 141st in three pointers allowed per game (22.8).
- Fresno State averages 7.5 steals per game, which ranks 61st in the nation. Utah State ranks 126th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.4, down from 13.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 88.0 points per game (8.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 62.4 points per game (2.7 below their season average).
