The Boise State Broncos (1-0) will be at home in Taco Bell Arena when they square off with the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (0-1). Boise State is a 21.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 163.5 points. Action starts at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 12, 2017.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs. Boise State Broncos ATS Preview
In the Thunderbirds’ last game, they fell to the Oregon State Beavers, 99-82, but did cover as 24-point underdogs. With 21 points on 4-for-13 shooting, Jadon Cohee led Southern Utah in scoring. Oregon State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.4 vs. 21.4). Southern Utah, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.561 vs. 0.413). The two teams combined to score 181 points, which came in well over the O/U total of 157.5.
The Broncos will look to maintain momentum after blowing out the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers in their last matchup, 104-65. Boise State’s Chandler Hutchison played a pivotal role with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Boise State played a flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.3 and a free throw rate of 0.302. For those same stats, Eastern Oregon put up marks of 13.9 and 0.167, respectively.
The aggressive Boise State offense could be living from the foul line in this battle. Dating back to last season, the Broncos rank 37th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.294, while Southern Utah has been among the nation’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 347th-ranked FTA rate of 0.361).
Since last season, the Thunderbirds are 6-28 straight up (SU) and 13-15-3 against the spread (ATS). Since last season, Southern Utah games have gone over the O/U total 58.1 percent of the time.
On the other hand, the Broncos, are 20-11 SU and 14-16 ATS since last season. There does not appear to be a trend for Boise State’s games over that same period in regards to the O/U total as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs. Boise State Broncos Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Boise State, ATS Winner – Southern Utah, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Thunderbirds rank 161st in blocks per game (3.1) while the Broncos rank 236th in blocks allowed per game (4.5).
- Southern Utah ranks 191st in steals per game (5.6) while Boise State ranks 241st (5.0).
- Boise State ranks 12th in three pointers allowed per game (16.9) while Southern Utah ranks 251st (22.8).
- The Broncos rank 60th in assists allowed per game (11.7) while the Thunderbirds rank 277th (15.3).
- Boise State ranks 87th in rebounds allowed per game (33.5) while Southern Utah ranks 267th (37.5).
