The Portland State Vikings (15-10, 5-7 BigSky) welcome the Weber State Wildcats (17-7, 10-2 BigSky) in a matchup that pits great offense against stifling defense. The game starts at 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 15, 2018.
Portland State is a 3.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 163.5 points.
Weber State Wildcats at Portland State Vikings Free Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last game, they defeated the Northern Colorado Bears, 71-66. Weber State’s 0.468 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Northern Colorado, who had a rate of 0.356. The Wildcats’ mark was below their season average of 0.588, while the Bears’ was below their season average of 0.531. With 25 points on 11-for-18 shooting, Zach Braxton was the top scorer from either team.
The Vikings barely escaped the Montana State Bobcats in their last game, 80-77. Portland State held the Bobcats to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.0 (below their season average of 29.9). Montana State, meanwhile, had a free throw rate of 0.298 (above their season average of 0.287). With 16 points and 14 rebounds, Portland State’s Brandon Hollins had a good performance.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the productive offense of Portland State takes on the stingy defense of Weber State. The Vikings rank 56th in offensive efficiency, while the Wildcats are 43rd in defensive efficiency.
Weber State comes into the game with records of 17-7 straight up (SU) and 12-7 against the spread (ATS). Of the Wildcats’ 19 games with betting action, 10 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Portland State owns records of 15-10 SU and 14-8 ATS. Of the Vikings’ 22 games that accepted bets, 13 have finished over the projected point total.
Braxton has averaged 14.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks over the last five games for Weber State.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Vikings lost 84-79, unable to cover as 1.5-point underdogs. Deontae North led both teams with 22 points and also added nine rebounds. The game finished with a total of 163 points, which was just 1 points above the projected point total of 162 points. Weber State had a better effective field goal percentage (0.500 vs. 0.406). Portland State, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.8 vs. 20.0).
Weber State Wildcats vs. Portland State Vikings Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Weber State, ATS Winner – Weber State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Weber State is 6-4 ATS on the road with 5 overs and 5 unders.
Portland State is 3-3 ATS at home with 5 overs and 1 under.
Weber State ranks 42nd in assists allowed per game (11.5) while Portland State ranks 238th (15.6).
The Vikings rank second in steals per game (10.4) while the Wildcats rank 177th (5.5).
Weber State ranks 92nd in rebounds allowed per game (33.5) while Portland State ranks 252nd (38.2).
The Wildcats rank 15th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Vikings rank 160th (4.0).
Portland State ranks 18th in three pointers attempted per game (27.1) while Weber State ranks 159th (21.6).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Weber State is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Portland State is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.4, up from 11.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Vikings have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (10.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 81.2 points per game (1.9 above their season average).
