The Colorado State Rams and Utah State Aggies meet on Friday in college basketball action at Thomas & Mack Center. Here’s a Colorado State vs Utah State prediction. This article will include a Colorado State vs Utah State Pick.
Utah State Aggies Betting Preview
The Utah State Aggies (26-6, 16-15 ATS) failed to impress late in the season as they lost three of the final six regular-season games. The Aggies lost to New Mexico, Boise State, and Colorado State, all three on the road, while they beat San Jose State, San Diego State, and Air Force at home. Utah State entered the Mountain West tournament as the No. 3 seed and defeated UNLV 70-58 in the quarterfinals.
Utah State is averaging 81.2 PPG (29th) and is allowing 69.6 PPG (100th). The Aggies are getting 34.5 RPG (258th) and dish out 17.5 APG (12th). Ian Martinez is the team’s top performer with 16.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, and 1.0 SPG. Mason Falslev has 14.7 PPG, a team-high 6.1 RPG, 3.7 APG, and a team-high 2.3 SPG, while Dexter Akanno contributes 8.8 PPG and 3.4 RPG.
Colorado State Rams Betting Preview
The Colorado State Rams (23-9, 19-13 ATS) are playing their best basketball of the season and are currently on an eight-game winning streak, their longest of the year. The Rams ended the regular season with seven straight victories, defeating Utah State and Boise State along the way and securing the No. 2 seed for the conference tourney. Colorado State recorded a 67-59 win over Nevada in the quarterfinals, which was its third win over the Wolf Pack this season.
Colorado State averages 75.2 PPG (147th) and allows 67.3 PPG (54th). The Rams are 223rd in rebounds (35.0) and 32nd in assists (16.8). Nique Clifford leads the team with 18.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 4.3 APG, and 1.3 SPG. Jalen Lake follows him with 11.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, and 2.0 APG, while Kyan Evans chips in 10.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 3.1 APG.
Why Colorado State will beat Utah State
- Colorado State has won each of its last eight games against the Mountain West Conference.
- Utah State has lost the first half in three of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents at a neutral venue.
Total Points Facts
- Twenty-one of Colorado State’s last 22 games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Thomas & Mack Center have produced a total of 154 or fewer points.
- Each of Utah State’s last four night games at a neutral venue has produced a total of 146 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Colorado State ranks 21st among Division 1 teams for assists per game this season (16.8).
- Colorado State ranks 27th among Division 1 teams for true shooting percentage this season (59.6%).
- Utah State ranks 7th among Division 1 teams for field goal percentage this season (49.5%).
- Utah State ranks 8th among Division 1 teams for effective field goal percentage this season (57.3%).
Colorado State vs Utah State Prediction
Colorado State won six of the previous ten H2H encounters. This season’s series is tied at 1-1; the Aggies won 93-85 in February, while the Rams were better 93-66 two weeks ago. Colorado State is in better form at the moment and I believe the Rams are legit contenders for the conference title as they are in full swing right now. Utah State has a more efficient offense but I don’t think its defense is going to handle NIque Clifford, who already dropped 50 points on the Aggies in two H2Hs this year. Clifford is one of the biggest reasons I am going with Colorado State to win and reach the finals.