Utah Tech vs UTRGV 12/29/22 College Basketball Picks, Predictions, Odds

The UTRGV Vaqueros and the Utah Tech Trailblazers meet Thursday in college basketball action from Burns Arena. UTRGV comes into this one at 8-4 overall. The Vaqueros beat Houston Christian in their last game. As for Utah Tech, they’re 8-5 this year after a win over Lindenwood last week. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

UTRGV managed to go a decent 4-2 over their first six games this year, losing to Kansas State and Texas A&M-CC. Since then it’s been another 4-2 run with wins over Texas A&M-CC, Houston Christian (twice) and Southwestern Christian. 

In the matchup versus Houston Christian back on December 18, the Vaqueros posted 48 points in the first half and 52 more after the break during a 100-90 victory. Justin Johnson put up 29 points with eight rebounds and four assists in the win. 

Over on the Utah Tech side, they were 2-4 after six games this year, beating CSUN and Idaho along the way. The Trailblazers are 6-1 since then with wins over CSUF, Weber State, Chapman, Master’s, Westmont and Lindenwood.

Matched up against Lindenwood, the Trailblazers were up 52-24 by halftime. Utah Tech posted another 43 points after the break and won 95-64. Isaiah Pope was tops in scoring with 25 points and five assists. 

PICK: I might take a stab on Utah Tech here. This should be an interesting matchup regardless. The Trailblazers have scored very well lately, notching 77 or more points in six straight games. Granted, most of those games have been against sub-par competition but it’s impressive nonetheless. As for UTRGV, they’ve hit 72 or more in five straight games and 95 or more in three straight games. If both teams are on point in this one we should have a fairly high-scoring finish. I think Utah Tech can maintain the cover pace.