Offense meets defense when the No. 13 San Diego State Aztecs (14-0, 3-0 MWC) travel to Utah State to take on the Aggies (13-3, 2-1 MWC). The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
San Diego State Aztecs at Utah State Aggies Betting Prediction
In the Aztecs’ last matchup, they topped the Fresno State Bulldogs, 61-52. The Aztecs held the Bulldogs to an effective field goal percentage of 0.385 (below their season average of 0.503) and had a free throw rate of 0.286 (above their season average of 0.197). San Diego State received a boost from Matt Mitchell, who finished with 15 points and six rebounds.
The Aggies were beaten by the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels in their last contest, 70-53. UNLV’s 42.4 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Utah State, who had a rate of 27.0. The Runnin’ Rebels’ mark was above their season average of 37.1, while the Aggies’ was below their season average of 34.0. Utah State’s Justin Bean put together a solid performance, leading the team in scoring with 17 points on 5-for-11 shooting.
After the Aggies won two out of three matchups against the Aztecs last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last game, Utah State won 64-57. Utah State’s 0.327 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over San Diego State, who had a rate of 0.127.
This battle pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Utah State ranks 20th in offensive efficiency and San Diego State is sixth in defensive efficiency.
San Diego State Aztecs vs. Utah State Aggies ATS Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – San Diego State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
San Diego State ranks seventh in blocks allowed per game (2.0) while Utah State ranks 124th (4.1).
The Aztecs rank 46th in steals allowed per game (5.6) while the Aggies rank 127th (6.9).
Utah State ranks seventh in rebounds per game (42.7) while San Diego State ranks 72nd (38.5).
The Aztecs average 21.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 162nd in the nation. The Aggies rank 181st in three pointers allowed per game (23.4).
Utah State is 18th in the NCAA with 16.8 assists per game while San Diego State is 33rd with 16.1 assists per game.
The Aztecs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.8, up from 19.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 77.4 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.0 points per game (4.6 above their season average).
