It will be a battle between MWC opponents when the San Diego State Aztecs (10-4, 2-1 MWC) welcome the San Jose State Spartans (3-12, 0-4 MWC) to Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 9, 2018.
San Diego State opened as a 22-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 135.5 points.
San Jose State Spartans vs. San Diego State Aztecs ATS Prediction
In the Spartans’ last contest, they were blown out by the New Mexico Lobos, 80-47. New Mexico’s 8.1 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over San Jose State, who had a mark of 26.8. The Lobos’ mark was better than their season average of 15.2, while the Spartans’ was above their season average of 22.7. Ryan Welage was the game’s leading scorer with 17 points on 6-for-19 shooting.
The Aztecs beat the Colorado State Rams in their last game, 77-68. The Aztecs, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.2, had a phenomenal mark of 44.1, while the Rams had a free throw rate of 0.161 (below their season average of 0.268). Jalen McDaniels led San Diego State in scoring with 19 points on 8-for-11 shooting.
San Diego State could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they go head-to-head against one of the nation’s worst offenses. The Aztecs rank 48th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.464), while San Jose State is 269th in effective field goal percentage (0.489).
San Jose State holds records of 3-12 straight up (SU) and 6-8 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to set the total high when the Spartans are involved, as nine of their 14 games have ended under the projected point total.
Meanwhile, San Diego State owns records of 10-4 SU and 8-4 ATS. Contrary to San Jose State, Aztecs games tend to finish over the projected point total (58.3 percent).
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last matchup, the Spartans won 76-71. The Spartans knocked down 23 of their 26 free throws (88.5 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (12.7 vs. 16.4).
San Jose State Spartans at San Diego State Aztecs ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – San Diego State, ATS Winner – San Jose State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, San Jose State is 3-5 ATS with 5 unders and 3 overs.
At home, San Diego State is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
San Diego State ranks 129th in three pointers attempted per game (22.1) while San Jose State ranks 248th (15.4).
The Aztecs rank 78th in steals per game (6.9) while the Spartans rank 163rd in steals allowed per game (8.0).
San Jose State ranks 37th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while San Diego State ranks 117th (4.1).
The Spartans rank 12th in rebounds allowed per game (30.3) while the Aztecs rank 90th (33.6).
San Diego State ranks 121st in assists per game (14.1) while San Jose State ranks 163rd in assists allowed per game (14.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, San Jose State is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
San Diego State is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Spartans’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 9.6, up from 5.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Aztecs have scored an average of 71.8 points per game (5.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (2.6 above their season average).
