The Boise State Broncos (15-3, 5-1 MWC) look to lengthen their 11-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Utah State Aggies (10-9, 3-3 MWC) at Taco Bell Arena. The game is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 17, 2018.
Boise State is a 12-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 143 points.
Utah State Aggies vs. Boise State Broncos Betting Prediction
The Aggies are trying to rebound after their 83-57 loss to the Nevada Wolf Pack in their last matchup. One of Nevada’s biggest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 27 trips to the line, while Utah State went just 13 times. Dwayne Brown Jr. was Utah State’s high scorer with 13 points on 6-for-10 shooting.
In the Broncos’ last game, they barely escaped the San Diego State Aztecs, 83-80. The Broncos made 13 of their 16 free throws (81.3 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.686 (above their season average of 0.550). Chandler Hutchison was the game’s high scorer with 44 points on 15-for-21 shooting.
Boise State appears to have the edge on the offensive side of the ball. The Broncos rank 97th in offensive efficiency, while the Aggies rank 229th in defensive efficiency.
Utah State heads into the contest with records of 10-9 straight up (SU) and 7-9 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Aggies have no tendency in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Boise State owns records of 15-3 SU and 10-7 ATS. Contrary to Utah State, a little over half of Broncos games have finished over the projected point total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Koby McEwen (19.8 points and 5.4 rebounds) has been stellar for the Aggies while Hutchison (24.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals) has contributed greatly to the Broncos.
After the Broncos won both contests against the Aggies last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Boise State won 72-70. Boise State had a better effective field goal percentage (0.518 vs. 0.449). Utah State, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.5 vs. 33.3).
Utah State Aggies vs. Boise State Broncos ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Boise State, ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Utah State is 4-5 ATS on the road with 6 unders, 2 overs and 1 push.
Boise State is 6-3 ATS at home with 5 overs and 4 unders.
Boise State ranks 27th in rebounds per game (40.2) while Utah State ranks 165th (35.4).
The Aggies average 24.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 56th in the nation. The Broncos rank 130th in three pointers allowed per game (21.8).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Utah State is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Boise State is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Aggies have been outscored by an average of 9.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Utah State has defeated opponents by an average of 1.8 points.
During their last five games, the Broncos have scored an average of 80.8 points per game (1.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.8 points per game (4.9 above their season average).
