The Idaho State Bengals (4-5) look to put an end to the six-game winning streak of BYU when they travel to Marriott Center to take on the Cougars (9-2). BYU opened as a 20-point favorite, while the games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 143 points. Action gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 21, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN Full Court.
Idaho State Bengals at BYU Cougars ATS Preview
The last time the Bengals played, they easily got past the Youngstown State Penguins, 86-62. Balint Mocsan was the top scorer from either team with 17 points on 6-for-10 shooting. The Bengals had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.333 (above their season average of 0.271) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.676 (above their season average of 0.494).
The Cougars will look to keep it rolling after topping the Utah Runnin’ Utes in their last game, 77-65. BYU received a boost from Elijah Bryant, who was the games high scorer with 29 points on 8-for-13 shooting. BYU played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.250 (below their season average of 0.318) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.615 (above their season average of 0.542). For those same stats, Utah was 0.143 and 0.509, respectively.
It could be a tough game for Idaho State on the offensive glass. Since last season, the Bengals rank 280th in offensive rebounding percentage (22.8 percent), while BYU ranks 37th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.3 percent).
Both of these teams have typically finished under the projected point total. Games featuring Idaho State have gone under 80.0 percent of the time, while 66.7 percent of BYU games have gone under. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Cougars have a clear advantage. They are 9-2 SU and 4-5 ATS, while the Bengals are 4-5 SU and 2-2-1 ATS.
The Cougars won the sole game against the Bengals last season, 84-58. The Cougars dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.259 and a solid offensive rebounding percentage of 28.1. The Bengals recorded marks of 0.097 and 11.9, respectively, for those same stats.
Idaho State Bengals vs. BYU Cougars Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – BYU, ATS Winner – Idaho State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Cougars rank 59th in assists per game (15.8) while the Bengals rank 76th in assists allowed per game (14.2).
- BYU ranks 28th in rebounds allowed per game (34.9) while Idaho State ranks 149th (36.8).
- The Cougars rank 47th in blocks per game (4.6) while the Bengals rank 131st (2.5).
- Idaho State ranks 64th in steals per game (7.3) while BYU ranks 85th in steals allowed per game (6.8).
