The Southern Utah Thunderbirds (8-4, 1-0 BigSky) welcome the Montana Grizzlies (6-7, 2-0 BigSky) to Centrum Arena. The Grizzlies can snap a six-game road losing streak. The game gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020.
Montana Grizzlies vs. Southern Utah Thunderbirds Betting Odds
Both teams narrowly defeated their last opponent. The Thunderbirds defeated the Portland State Vikings 83-81, while the Grizzlies beat the Sacramento State Hornets 52-50.
Montana’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Sacramento State. The Grizzlies had a rate of 12.5 (better than their season average of 17.9), while the Hornets posted a mark of 24.1 (above their season average of 17.8). Southern Utah, on the other hand, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a great free throw rate of 0.263 (above their season average of 0.215) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.5 (above their season average of 32.4). Portland State was 0.096 and 28.9, respectively, for those same stats. John Knight III had a good outing for Southern Utah, recording 20 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Montana received a boost from Jared Samuelson, who had 17 points and eight rebounds.
The Grizzlies dominated this series last year, taking both contests. In the last game, Montana won 70-54. The Grizzlies’ 12.5 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Thunderbirds, who had a mark of 6.1. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Southern Utah could dominate on defense as they clash against one of the NCAA’s worst offenses. The Thunderbirds rank 28th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.439), while Montana is 299th in effective field goal percentage (0.468). Also, second chance points could be few and far between for the Grizzlies. They rank 317th in the nation in offensive rebounding percentage at 23.2 percent, while the Thunderbirds are 14th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 78.1 percent).
Montana vs. Southern Utah ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Southern Utah, ATS Winner – Southern Utah, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Southern Utah ranks 24th in rebounds per game (40.8) while Montana ranks 230th (33.1).
- The Thunderbirds rank 42nd in assists allowed per game (10.7) while the Grizzlies rank 94th (12.1).
- Montana averages 3.5 blocks per game, which ranks 86th in the NCAA. Southern Utah ranks 123rd in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
- The Thunderbirds average 8.3 steals per game, which ranks 46th in the country. The Grizzlies rank 144th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
- Southern Utah ranks 193rd in three pointers attempted per game (20.4) while Montana ranks 277th (15.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Thunderbirds’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.0, down from 12.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 67.6 points per game (2.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.0 points per game (3.5 above their season average).
