Idaho State vs Montana State Prediction Basketball Picks 12-28-23
Idaho State Bengals (4-7) vs Montana State Bobcats (5-6)
2023-12-28 21:00:00 EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Idaho State Bengals -1.5 -- Over/Under: 133.5
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The Montana State Bobcats and the Idaho State Bengals meet in college basketball action from the Holt Arena on Thursday night. Who wins their Big Sky conference opener? Let’s dive in and find out with our Montana State vs. Idaho State Prediction.
Montana State Team Preview
The Montana State Bobcats come into this game looking to rebound from an 82-70 loss at the hands of Cal State Northridge last time out. Brian Goracke leads the Bobcats in scoring with 15.5 PPG and 4.3 RPG while Robert Ford III has 14.3 PPG as well as team-highs of 8.1 RPG, 2.7 APG and 3.1 SPG to lead the Bobcats across the board. Brandon Walker has 11.9 PPG and Tyler Patterson has 10.4 PPG to cap off the scoring in double figures for Montana State so far this season. As a team, Montana State is averaging 73.9 PPG on 44.4% shooting from the floor, 33.3% from three-point range and 74.3% from the foul line this season.
Idaho State Team Preview
The Idaho State Bengals come into this game looking to snap a three-game losing skid after a 76-57 loss to Oregon State last time out. Kiree Huie leads the Bengals in scoring and rebounding with 12.6 PPG and 6.8 RPG while Brayden Parker has 12.5 PPG with 5.5 RPG as the only other double-digit scorer for Idaho State up to this point in the year. Miguel Tomley has 9.7 PPG with 2.6 RPG and Maleek Arington has 9 PPG with 3 RPG and a team-high 3.6 APG to lead the Bengals in assists so far this season. Isaiah Griffin also has 9 PPG with 5 RPG as well on the year. As a team, Idaho State is averaging 68.3 PPG on 47.3% shooting from the field, 31% from three and 68% from the foul line this season.
Montana State vs. Idaho State Prediction
I’m leaning towards Idaho State at home. The Bengals have done a good job shutting down the 3-pointer, which is what the Bobcats have relied on for a lot of scoring this season as Montana State’s top-20 in 3-pointers attempted this season, but are 271st in 3-point shooting and Idaho State’s defense, the one thing they do well is defend the 3. Idaho State’s offense relies on 2-pointers, and Montana State’s defense is 274th in 2-point defense this season. I think the matchup bodes well for Idaho State so give me the Bengals at home.
