Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. Colorado Buffaloes Betting Prediction 01/12/20

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The Utah Runnin’ Utes (10-4, 1-1 Pac-12) and their phenomenal offense visit Colorado to play the 25th-ranked Buffaloes (12-3, 2-1 Pac-12) and their stifling defense. The game will air on ESPNU at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 12, 2020.

Utah Runnin’ Utes at Colorado Buffaloes Betting Odds

Both teams were beaten in their last game. The Buffaloes fell to the Oregon State Beavers, 76-68, while the Runnin’ Utes were defeated by the fourth-ranked Oregon Ducks, 69-64.

Utah had a much better free throw rate (0.220 vs. 0.045) while Colorado had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (29.6 vs. 24.0). Colorado’s McKinley Wright IV led the way, finishing with 14 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. Utah received a boost from Timmy Allen, who recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds.

This was a highly contested series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Buffaloes won the most recent game 71-63. Colorado’s 0.308 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Utah, who had a mark of 0.164. This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.

Colorado does a solid job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank 17th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.295), but Utah is among the best in the nation at keeping opponents off the line (ranking fourth by allowing a FTA rate of 0.141). Additionally, the Runnin’ Utes rank 22nd in offensive efficiency (112.1), while the Buffaloes rank 19th in defensive efficiency (87.7).

Utah at Colorado Free Pick

Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Colorado, ATS Winner – Colorado, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Colorado ranks 21st in three pointers allowed per game (17.7) while Utah ranks 148th (22.4).
  • The Buffaloes average 3.6 blocks per game, which ranks 89th in the NCAA. The Runnin’ Utes rank 117th in blocks allowed per game (3.9).
  • The Buffaloes rank 48th in assists allowed per game (10.7) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 145th (13.1).
  • Colorado ranks 29th in rebounds allowed per game (31.1) while Utah ranks 91st (33.8).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Buffaloes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.4, up from 9.8 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Runnin’ Utes have scored an average of 65.2 points per game (13.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.6 points per game (2.7 below their season average).