The Montana Grizzlies (1-0) will travel to Petersen Events Center to take on the Pittsburgh Panthers (0-1) in their home opener. The games Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 144.5 points with Pittsburgh opening as a 2.5-point favorite. Action starts at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, November 13, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
Montana Grizzlies vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Preview
The Grizzlies were victorious over the Whitworth Pirates in their last game, 72-60. Ahmaad Rorie was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 6-for-16 shooting. The Grizzlies had a much better turnover percentage (13.1 vs. 29.1) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.460 vs. 0.447).
In the Panthers last game, they were defeated by the Navy Midshipmen, 71-62. With 14 points and eight rebounds, Pittsburghs Ryan Luther played well. Navy did a great job of converting from the charity stripe (15-18; 83.3 percent). Pittsburgh, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (17.4 vs. 20.3).
The physical Pittsburgh offense could be living from the charity stripe in this showdown. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Panthers rank 56th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.284, while Montana ranks 331st in FTA rate allowed (0.314). Furthermore, the Grizzlies rank 17th in turnover percentage (15.7 percent), while the Panthers rank 349th in opponents turnover percentage (14.7 percent).
The Grizzlies are 17-16 straight up (SU) and 14-18 against the spread (ATS) since last season. There does not appear to be a trend for Montana games since last year in regards to the projected point total as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
The Panthers, meanwhile, are 16-18 SU and 14-19 ATS since last season. Vegas has had a tendency to place the total high when Pittsburgh has been involved over that same stretch as 60.6 percent of their games have gone under the O/U total.
Montana Grizzlies vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Pittsburgh, ATS Winner – Pittsburgh, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Panthers rank 132nd in blocks allowed per game (3.3) while the Grizzlies rank 229th (4.0).
- Pittsburgh ranks 195th in rebounds per game (35.0) while Montana ranks 243rd (33.8).
- Montana ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Pittsburgh ranks 268th (15.2).
- The Grizzlies rank 30th in three pointers allowed per game (18.1) while the Panthers rank 216th (22.1).
- Montana ranks 178th in steals per game (5.7) while Pittsburgh ranks 284th (3.9).
