The Utah State Aggies (4-5) will be at home in Dee Glen Smith Spectrum when they meet the UC Irvine Anteaters (4-6). The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 139.5 points with Utah State set as a 7.5-point favorite. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 6, 2017.
UC Irvine Anteaters vs. Utah State Aggies ATS Preview
The Anteaters were beaten by the Nevada Wolf Pack in their last outing, 76-65. With 13 points on 5-for-11 shooting, Eyassu Worku led UC Irvine in scoring. Nevada had a much better free throw rate (0.246 vs. 0.077). UC Irvine, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 42.9 (above their season average of 36.1).
The last time the Aggies played, they were topped by the BYU Cougars, 75-66. Koby McEwen was the top scorer from either team with 20 points on 6-for-13 shooting. BYU did a great job of making free throws (24-28; 85.7 percent). Utah State, on the other hand, held the Cougars to an offensive rebounding percentage of 16.7 (below their season average of 30.6).
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Utah State ranks 261st in possessions per game (68.3) and UC Irvine is 280th (67.8) dating back to last season.
Of UC Irvine’s 8 games that accepted bets, four have finished over the projected point total, while 5 of Utah State’s 7 games have finished under the O/U total. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Aggies have a clear advantage. They are 4-5 SU and 4-3 ATS, while the Anteaters are 4-6 SU and 1-6-1 ATS.
The Aggies won the only contest against the Anteaters last season, 72-56. Utah State had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.538 vs. 0.361). UC Irvine, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.3 vs. 9.7).
UC Irvine Anteaters vs. Utah State Aggies Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Utah State, ATS Winner – UC Irvine, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Anteaters rank 256th in steals per game (5.1) while the Aggies rank 258th (5.1).
- UC Irvine ranks 56th in blocks per game (4.5) while Utah State ranks 226th (2.6).
- The Anteaters rank 16th in rebounds per game (40.3) while the Aggies rank 179th (35.6).
- UC Irvine ranks 184th in assists per game (13.2) while Utah State ranks 205th in assists allowed per game (13.8).
