The Washington State Cougars have gone 4-3 thus far this season winning all four of their home games and losing three away from home. Two of WSU’s losses are by a combined three points with their other loss being a blowout at the hands of Kansas. As a team Washington State is averaging 63 points, 12.9 assists, and their opponents are shooting 45.3 percent while defensively they have allowed 57.4 points, 11.1 assists, and their opponents are shooting 38.9 percent. Brock Motum is averaging 17.4 points and 7.0 rebounds, Dexter Kernich-Drew is averaging 9.9 points, and Mike Ladd is averaging 8.4 points and 5.0 rebounds. Washington State has a series of home games leading up to their Pac-12 schedule.

The Portland Pilots will be looking for their first road win of the season as all three of their wins have come at home this season. Portland is coming off of a five point win over Lewis and Clark after losing at New Mexico by 15. As a team Portland is averaging 63.3 points, 13.7 assists, and they are shooting 44.1 percent while defensively they are allowing 69 points, 14.5 assists, and their opponents are shooting 43.3 percent. Ryan Nicholas is averaging 12.8 points and 8.8 rebounds, Kevin Bailey is averaging 11.8 points, and Tanner Riley is averaging 7.0 points. Portland has UNLV and Kentucky in their next two games so it doesn’t get any easier for them.

Washington State is 5-0 against the spread in their last five home games, 9-2 against the spread in their last 11 games overall, and 8-2 against the spread in their last 10 non-conference games. Portland is 8-19 against the spread in their last 27 road games, 1-4 against the spread following a win, and 0-6 against the spread against the Pac-12.

Neither of these teams score big numbers so while I like Washington State to win I like Portland to cover getting double digits.