The Portland State Vikings (5-8, 0-2 BigSky) visit Dahlberg Arena to take on the Montana Grizzlies (10-4, 3-0 BigSky). The Vikings will attempt to snap their five-game road losing streak, while the Grizzlies look to continue their five-game home winning streak. Action starts at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Portland State Vikings at Montana Grizzlies Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Grizzlies defeated the Georgia State Panthers, 81-74, while the Vikings got blown out by the 14th-ranked Oregon Ducks, 84-57.
The Grizzlies had a much better free throw rate (0.509 vs. 0.167) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.482 vs. 0.431). Portland State, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (12.1 vs. 17.8). Michael Oguine played a key role for Montana with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Jamie Orme, meanwhile had a good outing for Portland State, finishing with 11 points and five rebounds.
The Grizzlies dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the last contest, Montana won 80-60. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Montana’s largest advantages. They made 29 trips to the line, while Portland State went 20 times. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Ahmaad Rorie and Oguine have played well over the last five games for Montana. Rorie has averaged 0 points, while Oguine has put up 0 points a game during that span.
The upper-echelon offense of Montana (15th in the NCAA with an effective field goal percentage 0.572) will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Portland State (250th in effective field goal percentage allowed 0.515). The Grizzlies should have the edge on that end of the court. It will also be a battle of contrasting styles as the up-tempo Vikings rank 30th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Grizzlies rank 274th.
Portland State Vikings vs. Montana Grizzlies Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Montana, ATS Winner – Portland State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Portland State ranks fifth in rebounds per game (44.0) while Montana ranks 243rd (32.3).
- The Vikings rank seventh in steals per game (10.1) while the Grizzlies rank 91st (6.9).
- Montana ranks 21st in three pointers allowed per game (18.9) while Portland State ranks 36th (19.6).
- The Grizzlies rank 14th in assists allowed per game (9.8) while the Vikings rank 159th (14.0).
- Montana ranks 22nd in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Portland State ranks 127th (4.2).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 80.6 points per game (5.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.2 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
- The Vikings’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.6, up from 4.5 for the season.
