A six-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Bakersfield Roadrunners (9-5, 1-0 WAC) when they welcome the Utah Valley Wolverines (11-5, 0-1 WAC) to Icardo Center. The game is scheduled to start at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Utah Valley Wolverines at Bakersfield Roadrunners Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Roadrunners were beaten by the 20th-ranked TCU Horned Frogs, 66-61, while the Wolverines had no trouble getting past the Westminster (UT) Griffins, 96-71.
Utah Valley dominated every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.2 and a turnover percentage of 9.5. Westminster (UT) recorded marks of 13.3 and 20.3, respectively, for those same stats. Bakersfield, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (13.5 vs. 17.4). Bakersfield was led by Jarkel Joiner, who contributed 18 points. Meanwhile, Jake Toolson played a key role for Utah Valley with 22 points.
The Wolverines dominated this series last year, securing victories in all three games. In the last contest, Utah Valley won 81-74. Utah Valley made good use of their 25 trips to the free throw line, converting on 21 of them (84.0 percent). Bakersfield, meanwhile, was just 8-12 (66.7 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the nation’s top rebounding teams clash. The Roadrunners rank 14th in offensive rebounding percentage (37.8 percent), while Utah Valley ranks 25th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.8 percent).
Utah Valley Wolverines at Bakersfield Roadrunners Free Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Bakersfield, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Bakersfield ranks 23rd in steals allowed per game (4.9) while Utah Valley ranks 119th (6.7).
- The Roadrunners rank 142nd in assists per game (13.5) while the Wolverines rank 158th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
- The Roadrunners allow the 10th-fewest blocks per game (2.1) while the Wolverines rank 53rd (2.9).
- Bakersfield ranks 48th in rebounds allowed per game (32.1) while Utah Valley ranks 87th (33.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Roadrunners’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.2, up from 2.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wolverines have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (8.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.6 points per game (1.7 above their season average).
