It will be a battle between MWC opponents when the Colorado State Rams (8-6, 1-2 MWC) welcome the Fresno State Bulldogs (11-5, 1-2 MWC) to Moby Arena. The game starts at 5:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 6, 2018, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Fresno State Bulldogs at Colorado State Rams Free Prediction
The last time the Bulldogs played, they were topped by the Utah State Aggies, 81-79. Utah State’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Fresno State. The Aggies had a rate of 0.327 (above their season average of 0.250), while the Bulldogs posted a mark of 0.129 (below their season average of 0.285). Deshon Taylor was Fresno State’s leading scorer with 24 points on 10-for-17 shooting.
The Rams fell to the San Diego State Aztecs in their last contest, 77-68. San Diego State’s 44.1 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Colorado State, who had a mark of 30.2. The Aztecs’ mark was above their season average of 32.2. With 22 points on 9-for-18 shooting, J.D. Paige was the top scorer from either team.
It could be a tough game for Colorado State on the offensive glass. The Rams currently rank 150th in offensive rebounding percentage (30.7 percent), while Fresno State ranks 43rd in defensive rebounding percentage (75.3 percent). Moreover, the sweet-shooting offense of the Bulldogs ranks 24th in effective field goal percentage (0.570), while the Rams are 81st-worst in the nation at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.527).
Jahmel Taylor has averaged 12.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists over the last five games for Fresno State.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, the Rams won 78-62. The Rams had a much better turnover percentage (13.0 vs. 25.0) and had a much better free throw rate (0.434 vs. 0.306).
Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Colorado State Rams Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Fresno State, ATS Winner – Fresno State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Fresno State ranks 26th in three pointers allowed per game (18.2) while Colorado State ranks 228th (25.3).
The Bulldogs rank fourth in rebounds allowed per game (29.1) while the Rams rank 167th (36.0).
Fresno State ranks 43rd in assists allowed per game (11.3) while Colorado State ranks 155th (14.1).
The Rams rank 37th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Bulldogs rank 89th (3.4).
Fresno State ranks 28th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while Colorado State ranks 71st (5.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.0, down from 11.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rams have scored an average of 70.6 points per game (0.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.2 points per game (1.5 below their season average).
