The Washington State Cougars (9-10, 1-6 Pac-12) look to put an end to a six-game road losing streak when they square off with the Washington Huskies (14-6, 4-3 Pac-12) at Alaska Airlines Arena. Washington opened as a 6.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 147.5 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 28, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
Washington State Cougars at Washington Huskies ATS Preview
In the Cougars last contest, they were beaten by the Utah Runnin’ Utes, 82-69. Washington State’s Malachi Flynn put together a solid game, leading the team in scoring with 19 points on 9-for-12 shooting. Utah had a turnover percentage of 12.9 (better than their season average of 16.7). Washington State, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.4 (above their season average of 24.4).
The Huskies hope to keep it rolling after beating the Colorado Buffaloes in their last matchup, 72-62. Washington received a boost from Matisse Thybulle, who had 18 points and 10 rebounds. Washington played a nearly perfect game. They had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 42.1 (above their season average of 30.4) and a free throw rate of 0.237 (matching their season average). Colorado had marks of 26.1 and 0.154, respectively, for those same stats.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Washington State figures to have a substantial edge. The upper-echelon Cougars offense ranks 46th in the nation in that metric at 0.550, while the porous Washington defense is ranked 185th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.504).
Games featuring these teams have typically finished under the projected point total. Washington State games have gone under 55.6 percent of the time, while 61.1 percent of Washington games have finished under. The Huskies hold the sizable advantage straight up (SU) (14-6 vs. 9-10), but the Cougars have been superior against the spread (ATS) (9-9 vs. 8-8-2).
These teams have already met once this season. In that game, the two teams combined to put up 135 points, well under the projected point total of 154.5. The Huskies won 70-65, covering as 3-point favorites. Washington had a better turnover percentage (21.8 vs. 26.3). Washington State, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (44.7 vs. 14.8). Robert Franks had a double-double in the loss with 22 points and 12 rebounds.
Washington State Cougars at Washington Huskies Free Prediction
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Washington, ATS Winner – Washington State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Cougars rank 69th in assists per game (15.3) while the Huskies rank 231st (11.9).
- Washington averages 34.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 208th in the NCAA. Washington State ranks 209th in rebounds allowed per game (37.0).
- Washington is 3-6-1 ATS at home, while Washington State is 4-6 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 7 of the Cougars 10 road games, while 6 of the Huskies 10 home games have gone under.
- Washington State ranks fifth in three pointers attempted per game (30.4) while Washington ranks 212th (19.4).
- The Huskies rank 16th in blocks per game (5.6) while the Cougars rank 201st (2.1).
- Washington ranks 10th in steals per game (8.8) while Washington State ranks 180th (5.3).
Betting Trends:
- Washington is 3-1-1 ATS with 5 unders in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Washington State is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Huskies average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.6, down from 2.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (4.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.2 points per game (1.8 below their season average).
