The Utah State Aggies (4-4) take on the BYU Cougars (5-2) at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The game is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 146.5 points with BYU set as a 1-point favorite.
BYU Cougars vs. Utah State Aggies Betting Prediction
In the Cougars’ last contest, they thoroughly outplayed the Utah Valley Wolverines, 85-58. The Cougars held the Wolverines to an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.6 (below their season average of 38.2) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.643 (above their season average of 0.510). With 24 points on 9-for-13 shooting, Yoeli Childs was the game’s leading scorer.
The Aggies lost to the Valparaiso Crusaders in their last contest, 72-65. Valparaiso’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Utah State. The Crusaders had a rate of 41.0 (above their season average of 36.8), while the Aggies posted a mark of 34.0. Sam Merrill had a good game for Utah State, leading the team in scoring with 19 points on 6-for-16 shooting.
It could be a tough game for Utah State on the offensive glass. Since the 2016-17 season, the Aggies rank 294th in offensive rebounding percentage (26.0 percent), while BYU ranks 23rd in defensive rebounding percentage (75.0 percent). It will also be a matchup of contrasting paces as the up-and-down Cougars rank 24th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Aggies rank 253rd.
BYU has an outstanding 5-2 straight up (SU) record, but they have a difficult time covering the spread (1-4 against the spread (ATS)). Of the Cougars’ 5 games that accepted bets, three have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Utah State owns records of 4-4 SU and 4-2 ATS. Similarly to BYU, games involving the Aggies also have typically finished under the total (66.7 percent).
The Cougars won the lone contest against the Aggies last season, 77-63. The Cougars knocked down 23 of their 27 free throws (85.2 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (50.0 vs. 20.0).
BYU Cougars at Utah State Aggies ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Utah State, ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
BYU ranks 40th in blocks per game (4.8) while Utah State ranks 231st (2.6).
The Cougars rank 36th in assists per game (15.8) while the Aggies rank 210th in assists allowed per game (13.8).
BYU ranks eighth in rebounds per game (40.6) while Utah State ranks 178th (35.6).
The Cougars rank 119th in steals per game (6.5) while the Aggies rank 253rd (5.1).
Utah State ranks 186th in three pointers attempted per game (20.7) while BYU ranks 276th in three pointers allowed per game (23.6).
