The UC Davis Aggies (22-10) take on the Utah Runnin’ Utes (19-11) in the NIT at Jon M. Huntsman Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, and will air on ESPN 3.
Utah opened as a 12.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 139 points.
UC Davis Aggies at Utah Runnin’ Utes Free Prediction
The Aggies are trying to rebound after their 55-52 loss to the Cal State Fullerton Titans in their last matchup. Cal State Fullerton’s 0.298 free throw rate was their biggest strength over UC Davis, who had a rate of 0.135. The Titans’ mark was below their season average of 0.322, while the Aggies’ was below their season average of 0.291. AJ John led UC Davis in scoring with 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting.
The last time the Runnin’ Utes played, they lost a close one to the Oregon Ducks, 68-66. Oregon out-rebounded Utah. The Ducks had more offensive rebounds (12 vs. four), defensive rebounds (22 vs. 21) and total rebounds (34 vs. 25). Justin Bibbins put together a good game for Utah, leading the team in scoring with 20 points on 4-for-7 shooting.
It could be an error-filled game for the Utah offense. Utah ranks 133rd in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 17.9 percent), while the pesky defense of UC Davis forces the 21st-most turnovers in the NCAA (22.5 percent).
UC Davis comes into the game with records of 22-10 straight up (SU) and 16-11-2 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring the Aggies have a tendency to finish over the projected point total (58.6 percent).
Meanwhile, Utah is 19-11 SU and 15-10-3 ATS. Contrary to UC Davis, Runnin’ Utes games have typically finished under the projected point total (60.7 percent).
AJ John has averaged 14.0 points and 6.0 rebounds over the last five games for UC Davis.
UC Davis Aggies vs. Utah Runnin’ Utes Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Utah, ATS Winner – UC Davis, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah ranks 53rd in three pointers attempted per game (24.9) while UC Davis ranks 277th (17.3).
The Aggies rank 58th in steals per game (7.1) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 128th in steals allowed per game (6.2).
Utah ranks 38th in assists allowed per game (11.3) while UC Davis ranks 95th (12.6).
The Runnin’ Utes rank 229th in rebounds per game (33.7) while the Aggies rank 279th (32.4).
Utah ranks 109th in blocks per game (3.5) while UC Davis ranks 137th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Aggies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, down from 4.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Runnin’ Utes have scored an average of 69.8 points per game (3.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.8 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
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