Portland vs Pacific Pick – Basketball Predictions & Odds 2/9/23

The Pacific Tigers and the Portland Pilots meet Thursday in college basketball action from Chiles Center. Pacific is 12-13 overall this year. The Tigers lost to BYU in their last game. As for Portland, they’re sitting at 12-14 after a loss to Pepperdine. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

Pacific Tigers

The Tigers struggled over their first 16 games this year, going just 7-9 overall. Pacific has posted a 5-4 record since then, beating LMU, San DIego, Pepperdine, Santa Clara and Pepperdine again during that time. 

On Saturday versus BYU, Pacific took a 41-30 deficit into the locker room. The Tigers were outscored 40-36 from there and lost 81-66. Tops in scoring was Jordan Ivy-Curry, doubling up on 11 points and 11 rebounds. 

Portland Pilots

Over on the Portland side, they went just 8-10 over their first 18 outings this season. The Pilots are on a 4-4 stretch in the last eight, with wins over San Francisco, San Diego, Pepperdine and San Diego again in that stretch. 

Matched up against Pepperdine on Saturday, the Pilots scored 35 points in both the first and second halves, 12 points in the first overtime and 11 in the second OT for a 94-93 loss. Tyler Robertson put up 35 points with 14 rebounds to lead the way. 

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stay with Portland. This one could probably go either way, though; it’ll be a competitive game if both teams play well. In any case, the Pilots scored pretty well in their near-miss road loss to Pepperdine on Saturday. Portland has lost three of their last four, though they’ve played a couple of tricky teams in that time. As for Pacific, they’ve hit 81 or more points in three of the last four and should post a pretty nice total here. Portland is going to have to hit the offensive gas, but I think they can keep the cover pace if the Pilots are playing to their capabilities.