UC Riverside Highlanders at Montana Grizzlies Betting Odds

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The Montana Grizzlies (5-4) will be at home in Dahlberg Arena when they challenge the UC Riverside Highlanders (3-6). Montana is an 11.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 136.5 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 17, 2017.

UC Riverside Highlanders vs. Montana Grizzlies Odds Preview

In the Highlanders last contest, they dismantled the Air Force Falcons, 67-48. With 12 points and 12 rebounds, Menno Dijkstra had a good performance for UC Riverside. The Highlanders, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.431, had a phenomenal mark of 0.606, while the Falcons had a free throw rate of 0.161 (below their season average of 0.264).

The Grizzlies are trying to rebound after their 71-68 loss to the Georgia State Panthers in their last contest. Ahmaad Rorie was the games high scorer with 22 points on 6-for-15 shooting. Georgia State held the Grizzlies to an effective field goal percentage of 0.405 (below their season average of 0.477). Montana, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (36.8 vs. 25.7).

Montana might struggle to put up points as they go head-to-head against one of the nations best defenses. UC Riverside ranks 87th in defensive efficiency, while the Grizzlies rank 252nd in offensive efficiency dating back to the 2016-17 season. Moreover, the Highlanders rank 335th in turnover percentage (20.7 percent), while the Grizzlies rank 10th in opponents turnover percentage (20.0 percent).

In terms of the O/U total, these teams are complete opposites. Games involving UC Riverside have gone under 71.4 percent of the time, while Montana games have gone over 57.1 percent of the time. The Grizzlies have the better straight up (SU) record (5-4 vs. 3-6), but both teams have the same against the spread (ATS) record (3-4).

The Grizzlies won the only contest against the Highlanders last season, 71-63. Montana’s 0.532 effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over UC Riverside, who had a rate of 0.380.

UC Riverside Highlanders vs. Montana Grizzlies Betting Prediction

Predictions: SU Winner – Montana, ATS Winner – UC Riverside, O/U – Under

Betting Notes (2016-Present):

  • The Grizzlies rank 28th in assists allowed per game (11.2) while the Highlanders rank 161st (14.1).
  • Montana ranks 44th in blocks per game (3.2) while UC Riverside ranks 154th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
  • Montana ranks first in three pointers allowed per game (17.3) while UC Riverside ranks 200th (23.1).
  • The Grizzlies rank 88th in rebounds allowed per game (33.8) while the Highlanders rank 253rd (37.5).
  • Montana ranks 25th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while UC Riverside ranks 172nd (6.1).