A seven-game home winning streak is on the line for the BYU Cougars (12-5, 1-1 WCC) when they take on the Portland Pilots (9-8, 1-1 WCC) at Marriott Center. The game begins at 9:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 11, 2020.
Portland Pilots at BYU Cougars Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Cougars lost a tough one against the Saint Mary’s Gaels, 87-84, while the Pilots beat the San Francisco Dons, 76-65.
Portland played a nearly perfect game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.373 (above their season average of 0.235) and a turnover percentage of 17.4 (better than their season average of 18.6). San Francisco recorded marks of 0.102 and 23.2, respectively, for those same stats. BYU, on the other hand, forced Saint Mary’s into a turnover percentage of 18.1 (above their season average of 13.1). BYU received a boost from TJ Haws, who put up 29 points. JoJo Walker, meanwhile played a key role for Portland with 19 points, six assists and five rebounds.
The Cougars dominated this series last year, taking both contests. In the last game, BYU won 83-48. The Cougars’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Pilots. BYU had a rate of 12.6, while Portland posted a mark of 25.8. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Points at the line might be few and far between for BYU in this contest. The Cougars currently rank 328th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.164, while Portland ranks 29th in FTA rate allowed (0.158).
Portland Pilots vs. BYU Cougars Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Byu, ATS Winner – Portland, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- BYU averages 16.7 assists per game, which ranks 19th in the country. Portland ranks 177th in assists allowed per game (14.0).
- The Cougars are 13th in the NCAA with 2.2 blocks allowed per game while the Pilots are 29th with 2.5 blocks allowed per game.
- The Cougars rank 58th in three pointers attempted per game (25.3) while the Pilots rank 187th in three pointers allowed per game (23.5).
- BYU ranks 206th in rebounds per game (34.1) while Portland ranks 236th (32.9).
Bettings Trends:
- The Pilots have been outscored by an average of 11.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Portland has defeated opponents by an average of 2.4 points.
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 77.0 points per game (3.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 64.6 points per game (1.8 above their season average).
