The Oregon State Beavers (10-2) visit Utah to take on the Runnin’ Utes (9-3) in what should be a high-scoring game. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020, and will air on Pac-12 Network.
Oregon State Beavers vs. Utah Runnin’ Utes ATS Prediction
In the Beavers’ last contest, they beat the North Dakota Fighting Hawks, 83-66. The Beavers had a solid turnover percentage of 8.7 (better than their season average of 15.5) and held the Fighting Hawks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.2 (below their season average of 29.8). Oregon State was led by Ethan Thompson, who was the game’s high scorer with 25 points on 7-for-13 shooting.
The Runnin’ Utes got blown out by the No. 20 San Diego State Aztecs in their last matchup, 80-52. San Diego State’s 11.6 turnover percentage was the team’s biggest strength over Utah, who had a rate of 23.2. The Aztecs’ mark was better than their season average of 14.0, while the Runnin’ Utes’ was above their season average of 16.8. With 21 points on 6-for-14 shooting, Timmy Allen was the game’s leading scorer.
It might turn into a shootout as two of the country’s best offenses square off. Utah ranks 36th with 112.0 points per 100 possessions and Oregon State is 24th (113.1). The Beavers should be expected to protect the ball well. They rank 35th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.8 percent). Conversely, the Runnin’ Utes force the 33rd-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.3 percent).
After the Beavers won the sole contest against the Runnin’ Utes last season, 81-72, these teams will clash for the first time this year. Oregon State did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (26-32; 81.3 percent). Utah, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (16.9 vs. 17.7).
Oregon State Beavers vs. Utah Runnin’ Utes Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Utah, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Oregon State ranks fifth in blocks per game (6.4) while Utah ranks 133rd (2.8).
The Beavers rank 23rd in assists per game (16.5) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 129th in assists allowed per game (12.8).
Utah ranks 144th in three pointers attempted per game (22.2) while Oregon State ranks 243rd (18.4).
The Runnin’ Utes rank 50th in rebounds per game (39.2) while the Beavers rank 143rd (35.8).
Oregon State ranks 13th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while Utah ranks 86th (6.3).
The Beavers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.2, down from 13.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Runnin’ Utes have scored an average of 76.2 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.4 points per game (2.1 above their season average).
