The Utah Runnin’ Utes (21-11) square off against the No. 25 Saint Mary’s Gaels (30-5) in the NIT at McKeon Pavilion. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, and will air on ESPN2.
Utah Runnin’ Utes at Saint Mary’s Gaels Free Prediction
The Runnin’ Utes will be hoping for similar success after dismantling the LSU Tigers in their last contest, 95-71. The Runnin’ Utes held the Tigers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 14.3 (below their season average of 29.7). The Tigers had a free throw rate of 0.186 (below their season average of 0.240). Utah rallied around Tyler Rawson, who contributed 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
In the Gaels’ last game, they beat the Washington Huskies, 85-81. The Gaels knocked down 14 of their 16 free throws (87.5 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 48.0 (above their season average of 28.2). Jordan Ford was the game’s high scorer with 26 points on 8-for-13 shooting.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams battle. Saint Mary’s ranks 348th in possessions per game (63.7) and Utah is 291st (67.1). Furthermore, second chance points could be rare for the Runnin’ Utes. They rank 302nd in the NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 24.4 percent, while the Gaels are 11th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 77.3 percent).
Jordan Ford has averaged 19.2 points and 5.8 rebounds over the last five games for Saint Mary’s.
Utah Runnin’ Utes at Saint Mary’s Gaels Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Saint Mary’s, ATS Winner – Saint Mary’s, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah ranks 52nd in three pointers attempted per game (25.1) while Saint Mary’s ranks 254th (19.1).
The Gaels rank first in rebounds allowed per game (27.5) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 139th (34.4).
Utah ranks 219th in steals per game (5.2) while Saint Mary’s ranks 257th (4.5).
The Runnin’ Utes allow the 34th-fewest assists per game (11.3) while the Gaels rank 56th (11.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Runnin’ Utes’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.2, down from 5.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Gaels have scored an average of 76.4 points per game (1.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.4 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
—–
