The Idaho Vandals (5-2) will be at home in Cowan Spectrum at the Kibbie Dome when they take on the Washington State Cougars (6-1). Idaho opened as a 3.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 145 points. Action starts at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 6, 2017.
Washington State Cougars at Idaho Vandals Free Preview
The Cougars were beaten by the UC Davis Aggies in their last contest, 81-67. With 32 points on 12-for-18 shooting, Robert Franks was the games leading scorer. UC Davis 0.255 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Washington State, who had a mark of 0.123. The Aggies mark was below their season average of 0.273, while the Cougars was below their season average of 0.212.
In the Vandals last game, they defeated the Nicholls Colonels, 79-68. With 23 points on 10-for-18 shooting, Brayon Blake was Idahos high scorer. Idaho played a nearly flawless game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 35.1 (above their season average of 25.1) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.542 (above their season average of 0.514). For those same stats, Nicholls recorded marks of 26.5 and 0.465, respectively.
Dating back to last season, Idaho has done a great job of getting to the free throw line. They rank 34th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.294), but Washington State has been among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 20th by allowing a FTA rate of 0.185). Also, the Cougars, who rank 344th in offensive rebounding percentage (20.4 percent), will go head-to-head against the Vandals, who rank 45th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.8 percent).
Neither team has shown a tendency in terms of going over or under the O/U total. The Cougars come into this game with a clear advantage in terms of straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records. They are 6-1 SU and 5-1 ATS, while the Vandals are 5-2 SU and 2-2 ATS.
The Cougars won the only game against the Vandals last season, 61-48. Converting at the free throw line was one of Washington States biggest advantages. They were 19-23 (82.6 percent), while the Vandals were just 10-18 (55.6 percent).
Washington State Cougars at Idaho Vandals Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Idaho, ATS Winner – Washington State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Vandals rank 272nd in steals per game (4.9) while the Cougars rank 286th (4.5).
- Washington State ranks 222nd in blocks per game (2.6) while Idaho ranks 229th (2.5).
- Idaho ranks 111th in rebounds per game (36.9) while Washington State ranks 279th (32.8).
- The Vandals rank 95th in assists allowed per game (12.2) while the Cougars rank 243rd (14.4).
- Washington State ranks 185th in three pointers attempted per game (20.9) while Idaho ranks 275th in three pointers allowed per game (23.9).
