MWC foes will collide when the Utah State Aggies (14-13, 7-7 MWC) go head-to-head against the No. 24 Nevada Wolf Pack (22-5, 11-2 MWC) at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. Action gets underway at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 17, 2018, and it can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
Nevada Wolf Pack at Utah State Aggies Odds Preview
The last time the Wolf Pack played, they defeated the Boise State Broncos, 77-72. With 13 points and 10 rebounds, Nevada’s Jordan Caroline had a good game. The Wolf Pack had a better free throw rate (0.241 vs. 0.157) and held the Broncos to an effective field goal percentage of 0.436 (below their season average of 0.552).
The Aggies are trying to rebound after their 78-63 loss to the New Mexico Lobos in their last game. Sam Merrill was the top scorer from either team with 33 points on 11-for-16 shooting. New Mexico had a turnover percentage of 11.5 (better than their season average of 14.8). Utah State, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of making free throws (13-17; 76.5 percent).
Nevada appears to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Wolf Pack currently rank 15th in offensive efficiency, while Utah State ranks 234th in defensive efficiency.
Kendall Stephens has taken his game to another level over the last five games for Nevada, averaging 14.4 points per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The Wolf Pack won 83-57. The Wolf Pack dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.344 and a ridiculously low turnover percentage of 7.6. The Aggies were 0.100 and 15.6, respectively, for those same stats. Caleb Martin was a top performer in the victory, with 15 points and nine rebounds.
Nevada Wolf Pack vs. Utah State Aggies Betting Prediction
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Utah State, ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Wolf Pack average 36.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 108th in the NCAA. The Aggies rank 119th in rebounds allowed per game (34.1).
- Utah State ranks 61st in three pointers attempted per game (24.7) while Nevada ranks 217th in three pointers allowed per game (23.6).
- The Wolf Pack rank eighth in steals allowed per game (4.6) while the Aggies rank 123rd (6.3).
- Nevada ranks 35th in assists per game (16.3) while Utah State ranks 148th (13.6).
Betting Trends:
- The Aggies have been outscored by an average of 3.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Utah State has defeated opponents by an average of 1.1 points.
- During their last five games, the Wolf Pack have scored an average of 83.2 points per game (0.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.0 points per game (3.8 above their season average).
