Portland State Vikings vs. Montana State Bobcats Betting Prediction 01/03/19

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The Portland State Vikings (5-7, 0-1 BigSky) will be at Max Worthington Arena to square off with the Montana State Bobcats (4-8, 1-1 BigSky) in a BigSky matchup. The game gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019.

Portland State Vikings vs. Montana State Bobcats Betting Odds

Both teams were blown out in their last matchup. The Bobcats fell to the Utah State Aggies, 101-71, while the Vikings were defeated by the 14th-ranked Oregon Ducks, 84-57.

Portland State had a much better turnover percentage (12.1 vs. 17.8) while Montana State had a better free throw rate (0.396 vs. 0.333). Montana State rallied around Harald Frey, who contributed 13 points. Jamie Orme played well for Portland State, putting up 11 points and five rebounds.

The Vikings dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent matchup, Portland State won 80-77. Portland State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.8 vs. 20.0). Montana State, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.298 vs. 0.200). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.

This could end up being a mistake-prone game for the Montana State offense. Montana State ranks 275th in the country in ball protection (turnover percentage of 20.7 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Portland State forces the 18th-most turnovers in the country (24.2 percent).

Portland State Vikings at Montana State Bobcats Betting Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Montana State, ATS Winner – Montana State, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Portland State ranks 28th in three pointers allowed per game (19.1) while Montana State ranks 247th (26.8).
  • The Vikings average 14.2 assists per game, which ranks 104th in the NCAA. The Bobcats rank 221st in assists allowed per game (17.7).
  • Montana State ranks 46th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while Portland State ranks 139th (4.2).
  • The Vikings rank third in rebounds per game (45.1) while the Bobcats rank 199th (34.3).
  • Portland State ranks sixth in steals per game (9.9) while Montana State ranks 190th (4.6).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Vikings have scored an average of 82.6 points per game (3.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.0 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
  • The Bobcats’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 16.6, up from 8.9 for the season.