The BYU Cougars (8-4) will square off against the Utah State Aggies (10-1) at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 14, 2019.
BYU Cougars vs. Utah State Aggies ATS Odds
Both teams won big over their last opponent. The Aggies defeated the Saint Katherine College Firebirds 94-49, while the Cougars beat the Nevada Wolf Pack 75-42.
BYU dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.500 (below their season average of 0.584) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 27.5 (above their season average of 19.4). For those same stats, Nevada put up marks of 0.269 and 17.4, respectively. Utah State, meanwhile, dominated every facet of their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.156 (matching their season average) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 48.9 (above their season average of 33.1). Saint Katherine College was 0.032 and 10.9, respectively, for those same stats. Utah State’s Justin Bean played well, contributing 12 points and 14 rebounds. Yoeli Childs, meanwhile played a pivotal role for BYU with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
The Cougars won the lone game between these two teams last season, 95-80. BYU had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.653 vs. 0.508). Utah State, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.6 vs. 19.2). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Utah State does a great job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank 37th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.295), but BYU is among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 40th by allowing a FTA rate of 0.166). Moreover, the Cougars, who rank 335th in offensive rebounding percentage (20.3 percent), will face off against the Aggies, who rank ninth in defensive rebounding percentage (80.5 percent).
BYU vs. Utah State Betting Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Utah State, ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Utah State ranks 15th in rebounds per game (44.4) while BYU ranks 194th (33.9).
- The Aggies rank 15th in assists per game (16.5) while the Cougars rank 48th in assists allowed per game (11.1).
- The Cougars rank 17th in three pointers allowed per game (18.0) while the Aggies rank 170th (23.4).
- BYU ranks 25th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while Utah State ranks 131st (4.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (4.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.6 points per game (3.3 above their season average).
- The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 21.4, up from 9.4 for the season.