The UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (6-11, 2-2 WAC) head to UCCU Events Center to clash with the Utah Valley Wolverines (7-12, 1-3 WAC). The Vaqueros look to end a nine-game road losing streak. Action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. Utah Valley Wolverines Betting Odds
Both teams fell in their last outing. The Wolverines fell to the New Mexico State Aggies, 70-56, while the Vaqueros were defeated by the Seattle Redhawks, 91-74.
UT Rio Grande Valley had a free throw rate of 0.271 (above their season average of 0.195) while Utah Valley forced New Mexico State into a turnover percentage of 21.0 (above the 16.4 mark opponents have averaged against Utah Valley this season). Isaiah White fueled Utah Valley with 16 points and 11 rebounds. UT Rio Grande Valley, meanwhile, rallied around Lesley Varner II, who finished with 19 points and eight rebounds.
The Wolverines dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the last matchup, Utah Valley won 76-64. Utah Valley made good use of their 26 trips to the free throw line, converting on 22 of them (84.6 percent). UT Rio Grande Valley, on the other hand, was just 13-21 (61.9 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
This has potential to be an error-filled game for the offense of Utah Valley. Utah Valley ranks 237th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.3 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of UT Rio Grande Valley forces the 12th-most turnovers in the NCAA (25.4 percent).
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. Utah Valley Wolverines Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Utah Valley, ATS Winner – Utah Valley, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 24th in steals per game (8.9) while Utah Valley ranks 175th (5.8).
- The Wolverines average 12.4 assists per game, which ranks 176th in the nation. The Vaqueros rank 190th in assists allowed per game (14.1).
- UT Rio Grande Valley is 15th in the NCAA with 17.1 three pointers allowed per game while Utah Valley is 25th with 18.1 three pointers allowed per game.
- The Vaqueros rank 23rd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Wolverines rank 116th (3.7).
- Utah Valley ranks 153rd in rebounds per game (35.6) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 189th in rebounds allowed per game (36.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Vaqueros have scored an average of 75.2 points per game (3.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 77.0 points per game (6.6 above their season average).
- The Wolverines’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.2, up from 1.3 for the season.
