The Washington State Cougars (9-9, 1-5 Pac-12) will attempt to end a five-game road losing streak when they square off with the Utah Runnin’ Utes (11-7, 3-4 Pac-12) at Jon M. Huntsman Center. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 146 points with Utah opening as a 10.5-point favorite. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 21, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
Washington State Cougars vs. Utah Runnin’ Utes ATS Preview
In the Cougars last game, they were beaten by the Colorado Buffaloes, 82-73. Washington State’s Viont’e Daniels put together a good game, leading both teams in scoring with 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting. Colorado did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (13-18; 72.2 percent). Washington State, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 10.5 (better than their season average of 18.1).
The Runnin’ Utes come in on a high note after topping the Washington Huskies in their last outing, 70-62. With 20 points on 6-for-12 shooting, Justin Bibbins was the top scorer from either team. Utah dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.375 (above their season average of 0.273) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 46.2 (above their season average of 24.1). For those same stats, Washington had marks of 0.154 and 39.5, respectively.
Utah does a great job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank 57th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.279), but Washington State is among the best in the nation at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 27th by allowing a FTA rate of 0.179).
Games involving these teams have a tendency to finish under the projected point total. Washington State games have finished under 58.8 percent of the time, while Utah games have finished under 62.5 percent of the time. The Runnin’ Utes hold the clear advantage straight up (SU) (11-7 vs. 9-9), but the Cougars have been superior against the spread (ATS) (9-8 vs. 7-7-2).
Bibbins has taken his game to another level over the last five games for Utah, averaging 17.0 points, 5.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game.
This is the first time these teams will clash this year, after the Runnin’ Utes won both meetings last season. In the last matchup, Utah won 74-70. The Runnin’ Utes dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.449 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.3. The Cougars were 0.103 and 15.2, respectively, for those same stats.
Washington State Cougars vs. Utah Runnin’ Utes ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Utah, ATS Winner – Washington State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Utah is 4-2-2 ATS at home, while Washington State is 4-5 ATS on the road.
- Of the Cougars 9 road games, they have 6 overs and 3 unders.
- The Runnin’ Utes have 5 unders, 2 overs and 1 push in 8 home games.
- Utah averages 25.3 three pointers per game, which ranks 52nd in the nation. Washington State ranks 258th in three pointers allowed per game (25.7).
- The Runnin’ Utes rank 32nd in assists allowed per game (11.1) while the Cougars rank 119th (13.3).
- Utah ranks 193rd in rebounds per game (34.7) while Washington State ranks 206th in rebounds allowed per game (37.2).
Betting Trends:
- Utah is 0-3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Washington State is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Runnin’ Utes have been outscored by an average of 8.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Utah has defeated opponents by an average of 4.1 points.
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 71.4 points per game (4.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 74.6 points per game (0.0 below their season average).
