The BYU Cougars (6-4) take on the Utah Runnin’ Utes (4-3) at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Action begins at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 8, 2018, and can be seen on ESPNU.
BYU Cougars vs. Utah Runnin’ Utes Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Runnin’ Utes were victorious over the Maine Black Bears, 75-61, while the Cougars were beaten by the seventh-ranked Nevada Wolf Pack, 86-70.
Utah played a nearly perfect game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.3 and a free throw rate of 0.236. Maine was 13.5 and 0.145, respectively, for those same stats. BYU, on the other hand, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.420 vs. 0.439). Utah rallied around Sedrick Barefield, who finished with 18 points and eight assists. Yoeli Childs, meanwhile fueled BYU with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
The Cougars won the only contest between these two teams last season, 77-65. BYU’s 0.250 free throw rate was their largest strength over Utah, who had a mark of 0.143.
Childs has been superb as of late for BYU, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
This showdown pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defensesSince last season, Utah ranks 57th in effective field goal percentage (0.545), while BYU is 48th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.503). It will also be a showdown of contrasting paces as the fast-breaking Cougars rank 11th in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Runnin’ Utes rank 327th.
BYU Cougars vs. Utah Runnin’ Utes ATS Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Utah, ATS Winner – Utah, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- BYU ranks 13th in rebounds per game (34.5) while Utah ranks 244th (33.8).
- The Cougars rank 36th in steals allowed per game (5.9) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 101st (5.9).
- The Runnin’ Utes rank 72nd in assists per game (15.0) while the Cougars rank 210th in assists allowed per game (13.2).
- Utah averages 24.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 69th in the country. BYU ranks 195th in three pointers allowed per game (21.7).
