The sixth-ranked Nevada Wolf Pack (13-0) try to stay unbeaten when they go head-to-head against the Utah State Aggies (10-3) at Lawlor Events Center. The game starts at 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.
Utah State Aggies at Nevada Wolf Pack Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Wolf Pack beat the BYU Cougars 86-70, while the Aggies easily got past the Montana State Bobcats 101-71.
Utah State played a nearly perfect game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 44.4 and a turnover percentage of 13.0. Montana State was 12.5 and 16.1, respectively, for those same stats. The Wolf Pack, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.424 vs. 0.174) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (23.9 vs. 19.6). Nevada was led by Jordan Caroline, who contributed 25 points and 16 rebounds. Meanwhile, Sam Merrill had a good game for Utah State, finishing with 37 points.
The Wolf Pack dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent matchup, Nevada won 93-87. Nevada had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.694 vs. 0.548). Utah State, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (6.4 vs. 12.3). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
The Aggies’ Merrill has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Caleb Martin has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Wolf Pack.
Nevada should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Nevada ranks second in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 13.3 percent), while Utah State forces the 88th-fewest turnovers (18.4 percent).
Utah State Aggies at Nevada Wolf Pack ATS Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Nevada, ATS Winner – Nevada, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Utah State ranks 98th in three pointers attempted per game (19.9) while Nevada ranks 212th in three pointers allowed per game (25.2).
- The Aggies average 16.2 assists per game, which ranks 82nd in the country. The Wolf Pack rank 100th in assists allowed per game (12.8).
- The Wolf Pack rank second in steals allowed per game (4.2) while the Aggies rank 102nd (6.4).
- Nevada ranks 47th in blocks per game (4.4) while Utah State ranks 139th (4.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 88.0 points per game (6.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 62.4 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
- The Wolf Pack’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 22.2, up from 15.3 for the season.
