The Montana State Bobcats (13-15, 6-9 BigSky) will try to snap their six-game road losing streak when they take on the Montana Grizzlies (20-7, 13-2 BigSky), who look to lengthen their 12-game home winning streak. Montana is a 13-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 145 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 24, 2018.
Montana State Bobcats vs. Montana Grizzlies Odds Preview
In the Bobcats last contest, they were beaten by the Eastern Washington Eagles, 84-79. With 22 points on 6-for-14 shooting, Tyler Hall led Montana State in scoring. Eastern Washington held the Bobcats to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.1 (below their season average of 29.3). Montana State, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (11.9 vs. 15.3).
The Grizzlies are hoping for a better outcome after their 79-77 loss to the Idaho Vandals in their last game. Ahmaad Rorie was Montana’s leading scorer with 21 points on 7-for-16 shooting. Idaho had an effective field goal percentage of 0.635 (above their season average of 0.548). Montana, on the other hand, forced the Vandals into a turnover percentage of 21.1 (above their season average of 17.4).
Montana appears to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Grizzlies rank 99th in offensive efficiency, while the Bobcats rank 255th in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Bobcats, who rank 42nd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.284), will battle against the Grizzlies, who rank 346th in opponents FTA rate (0.332).
Of Montana State’s 26 games with betting action, 13 have finished under the projected point total, while 15 of Montana’s 25 games have finished over the O/U total. The Grizzlies come into this game with a substantial advantage in both straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records. They are 20-7 SU and 16-9 ATS, while the Bobcats are 13-15 SU and 11-15 ATS.
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined to put up 119 points in that game, which was well under the projected point total of 148. The Grizzlies won 67-52, covering as 7-point favorites. Montana had a much better turnover percentage (11.0 vs. 17.5). Montana State, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.340 vs. 0.190). Bobby Moorehead recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Montana State Bobcats vs. Montana Grizzlies Free Prediction
Free Pick: SU Winner – Montana, ATS Winner – Montana State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Grizzlies rank 12th in assists allowed per game (10.2) while the Bobcats rank 95th (12.6).
- Montana averages 3.5 blocks per game, which ranks 105th in the nation. Montana State ranks 124th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- On the road, Montana State is 7-10 ATS with 9 overs and 8 unders.
- At home, Montana is 7-2 ATS with 7 overs and 2 unders.
- Montana State ranks 132nd in three pointers attempted per game (22.5) while Montana ranks 285th (16.9).
- The Grizzlies rank 17th in steals per game (8.0) while the Bobcats rank 169th (5.7).
- Montana ranks 102nd in rebounds per game (36.4) while Montana State ranks 203rd in rebounds allowed per game (36.0).
Betting Trends:
- Montana is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Montana State is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Grizzlies average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.2, down from 8.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bobcats have scored an average of 77.8 points per game (1.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 82.8 points per game (5.6 above their season average).
