The Boise State Broncos (23-7, 13-5 MWC) square off with the Utah State Aggies (16-16, 9-10 MWC) in the Mountain West Conference Tournament at Thomas & Mack Center. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018.
Utah State Aggies vs. Boise State Broncos Betting Prediction
The last time the Aggies played, they topped the Colorado State Rams, 76-65. The Aggies made 13 of their 18 free throws (72.2 percent) and held the Rams to an effective field goal percentage of 0.453 (below the 0.518 mark opponents have averaged against Utah State this season). Utah State was lifted by Koby McEwen, who was the top scorer from either team with 25 points on 8-for-18 shooting.
The Broncos defeated the Wyoming Cowboys in their last contest, 95-87. The Broncos made 27 of their 34 free throws (79.4 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.4 (above their season average of 29.0). Christian Sengfelder was the game’s high scorer with 24 points on 8-for-10 shooting.
The productive offense of Boise State will clash against the mid-tier defense of Utah State. The Broncos currently rank 80th in offensive efficiency, while the Aggies are 237th in defensive efficiency. The Broncos figure to have the advantage on that end of the court. Also, the Aggies rank 268th in offensive rebounding percentage (26.3 percent), while the Broncos rank first in defensive rebounding percentage (81.5 percent).
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Aggies won the most recent matchup 71-65. The Aggies’ 14.1 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Broncos, who had a mark of 21.1. McEwen was a standout player in the game, producing 23 points and five assists.
Utah State Aggies vs. Boise State Broncos Free Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Utah State, ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Boise State ranks 37th in rebounds per game (38.5) while Utah State ranks 216th (33.7).
The Aggies average 25.7 three-pointers per game, which ranks 40th in the nation. The Broncos rank 135th in three-pointers allowed per game (21.2).
Boise State ranks 217th in blocks per game (2.3) while Utah State ranks 226th (2.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Aggies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.0, down from 1.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Broncos have scored an average of 78.8 points per game (0.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
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