The No. 7 San Diego State Aztecs (17-0, 6-0 MWC) and the Fresno State Bulldogs (5-11, 1-4 MWC), who both like to play patient, will face off at Save Mart Center. The game will air on ESPN2 at 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 14, 2020.
San Diego State Aztecs at Fresno State Bulldogs Free Prediction
In the Aztecs’ last game, they dismantled the Boise State Broncos, 83-65. San Diego State’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Boise State. The Aztecs had a rate of 12.1 (better than their season average of 14.5), while the Broncos posted a mark of 24.2 (above their season average of 14.9). Yanni Wetzell played a key role for San Diego State with 20 points and five rebounds.
The Bulldogs fell to the New Mexico Lobos in their last matchup, 78-64. New Mexico’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Fresno State. The Lobos had a rate of 0.259 (below their season average of 0.328), while the Bulldogs posted a mark of 0.156 (below their season average of 0.204). With 16 points on 6-for-13 shooting, Orlando Robinson led Fresno State in scoring.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Jarred Hyder scored a game-high 23 points in the first matchup, in which the Bulldogs lost 61-52. The Aztecs had a better effective field goal percentage (0.480 vs. 0.385) and had a better free throw rate (0.286 vs. 0.231).
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams clash. Fresno State ranks 304th in possessions per game (66.9) and San Diego State is 302nd (67.0). Also, the Aztecs rank 31st in turnover percentage (16.6 percent), while the Bulldogs rank 312th in opponents’ turnover percentage (17.4 percent).
San Diego State at Fresno State Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – San Diego State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Fresno State ranks 14th in three pointers attempted per game (28.7) while San Diego State ranks 165th (21.4).
The Aztecs rank 37th in assists per game (15.8) while the Bulldogs rank 165th (12.7).
San Diego State ranks 31st in rebounds allowed per game (31.4) while Fresno State ranks 113th (34.3).
The Aztecs are ninth in the NCAA with 2.2 blocks allowed per game while the Bulldogs are 34th with 2.6 blocks allowed per game.
San Diego State is 28th in the nation with 5.4 steals allowed per game while Fresno State is 49th with 5.8 steals allowed per game.
The Aztecs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.4, down from 18.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 64.2 points per game (5.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
