The Idaho Vandals (19-8, 11-4 BigSky) will travel to Dee Events Center to challenge the Weber State Wildcats (19-8, 12-3 BigSky) in their home finale. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 145 points with Weber State set as a 2.5-point favorite. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018.
Idaho Vandals at Weber State Wildcats ATS Preview
The last time the Vandals played, they lost a tough one against the Idaho State Bengals, 86-83. With 19 points on 8-for-16 shooting, Victor Sanders was Idaho’s high scorer. Idaho State did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (12-16; 75.0 percent). Idaho, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 11.4 (better than their season average of 17.5).
The Wildcats are hoping for a better outcome after their 75-70 loss to the Eastern Washington Eagles in their last contest. Jerrick Harding led Weber State in scoring with 17 points on 6-for-13 shooting. Converting at the free throw line was one of Eastern Washington’s biggest strengths. They were 15-18 (83.3 percent), while the Wildcats were 10-14 (71.4 percent).
It could be a tough game for Weber State on the offensive glass. The Wildcats rank 346th in offensive rebounding percentage (19.4 percent), while Idaho ranks 28th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.7 percent). Additionally, the Vandals 37th-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.552) will go head-to-head against the Wildcats 45th-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.476).
Of Idaho’s 22 games with betting action, 13 have finished over the projected point total, while 12 of Weber State’s 22 games have finished over the projected point total. Both teams have solid straight up (SU) records (19-8 for Idaho; 19-8 for Weber State), but the Wildcats have the edge against the spread (ATS). Weber State is 14-8 ATS, while the Vandals are 10-12.
Both teams have had a player trending in the right direction over their last five games. For the Vandals, it’s been Brayon Blake, who has averaged 22.0 points and 9.6 rebounds, while the Wildcats have gotten solid contributions from Zach Braxton (18.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 blocks).
This is the first time these teams will clash this year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Vandals won the last game 83-78. Idaho had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.5 vs. 21.2). Weber State, on the other hand, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.482 vs. 0.438).
Idaho Vandals at Weber State Wildcats ATS Prediction
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Idaho, ATS Winner – Idaho, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Wildcats allow the 50th-fewest assists per game (11.7) while the Vandals rank 59th (11.9).
- Idaho allows the seventh-fewest blocks per game (2.2) while Weber State ranks 14th (2.4).
- Idaho is 7-7 ATS on the road with 8 overs and 6 unders.
- At home, Weber State is 6-4 ATS with 5 overs and 5 unders.
- Weber State ranks 42nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.5) while Idaho ranks 250th (24.7).
- The Vandals rank 16th in rebounds allowed per game (30.7) while the Wildcats rank 94th (33.4).
- Idaho ranks 45th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Weber State ranks 95th (6.0).
Betting Trends:
- Weber State is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Idaho is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Wildcats average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.4, down from 10.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Vandals have scored an average of 79.4 points per game (3.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (4.0 above their season average).
