The UTEP Miners (2-6) meet the Washington State Cougars (6-2) at Don Haskins Center. The game gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 9, 2017.
Washington State is a 1.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 147.5 points.
Washington State Cougars vs. UTEP Miners ATS Prediction
The last time the Cougars played, they were blown out by the Idaho Vandals, 91-64. Idaho’s rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Vandals had 12 offensive rebounds and 43 total rebounds, while the Cougars had seven and 31, respectively. Robert Franks was Washington State’s high scorer with 16 points on 6-for-12 shooting.
The Miners defeated the New Mexico Lobos in their last game, 88-76. UTEP had an effective field goal percentage of 0.620 (above their season average of 0.463). New Mexico, meanwhile, held the Miners to an offensive rebounding percentage of 6.9 (below their season average of 21.6). Omega Harris was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 9-for-11 shooting.
Points at the line could be few and far between for UTEP in this battle. Since the 2016-17 season, the Miners rank 221st in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.237, while Washington State ranks 19th in FTA rate allowed (0.182). Moreover, the Cougars, who rank 345th in offensive rebounding percentage (20.4 percent), will clash against the Miners, who rank 32nd in defensive rebounding percentage (75.2 percent).
Washington State holds records of 6-2 straight up (SU) and 5-2 against the spread (ATS). Cougars games tend to go over the projected point total (57.1 percent).
Meanwhile, UTEP is 2-6 SU and 2-2 ATS. Miners games also have a tendency to go over the total (75.0 percent).
Washington State Cougars at UTEP Miners ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Washington State, ATS Winner – UTEP, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Washington State ranks 170th in three pointers attempted per game (21.1) while UTEP ranks 296th (17.0).
The Miners rank 147th in assists allowed per game (13.1) while the Cougars rank 238th (14.6).
UTEP ranks 166th in rebounds allowed per game (35.3) while Washington State ranks 227th (36.7).
The Miners rank sixth in blocks allowed per game (1.9) while the Cougars rank 59th (2.9).
UTEP ranks 236th in steals per game (5.2) while Washington State ranks 274th (4.5).
