The Utah Runnin’ Utes (7-3) will be at home in Jon M. Huntsman Center when they take on the Northwestern State Demons (2-7). Action begins at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, and it can be seen on Pac-12 Network.
Northwestern State Demons at Utah Runnin’ Utes Odds Preview
The Demons got blown out by the No. 17 Oklahoma Sooners in their last outing, 105-68. Northwestern State’s Larry Owens had a solid game, contributing 16 points and seven rebounds. Oklahoma’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Northwestern State. The Sooners had a rate of 0.174 (below their season average of 0.237), while the Demons posted a mark of 0.108 (below their season average of 0.280).
In the Runnin’ Utes last game, they were thoroughly outplayed by the BYU Cougars, 77-65. Tyler Rawson led Utah in scoring with 15 points on 5-for-10 shooting. BYU did an excellent job of converting from the charity stripe (13-17; 76.5 percent). Utah, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (17.4 vs. 19.1).
Utah could have their way on defense as they square off against one of the nation’s worst offenses. Dating back to last season, the Runnin’ Utes rank 54th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.472), while Northwestern State is 333rd in effective field goal percentage (0.489).
Utah is 7-3 SU and 5-3 ATS. Of the Runnin’ Utes eight games with betting action, four have finished under, three have finished over and one has pushed.
Northwestern State Demons at Utah Runnin’ Utes Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Utah, ATS Winner – Utah, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Demons rank 108th in steals per game (6.7) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 133rd in steals allowed per game (6.4).
- Utah ranks 24th in assists allowed per game (11.3) while Northwestern State ranks 198th (16.3).
- The Runnin’ Utes rank 77th in three pointers attempted per game (20.3) while the Demons rank 225th in three pointers allowed per game (21.9).
- Utah ranks 97th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while Northwestern State ranks 231st (37.5).
