The Utah State Aggies (17-6, 6-4 MWC) head to San Diego State to take on the No. 4 Aztecs (22-0, 11-0 MWC) in a matchup that pits great offense against tremendous defense. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Utah State Aggies at San Diego State Aztecs Free Prediction
In the Aggies’ last game, they dismantled the Wyoming Cowboys, 68-45. The Aggies held the Cowboys to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.9 (below the 22.4 mark opponents have averaged against Utah State this season). The Cowboys had a free throw rate of 0.160 (below their season average of 0.227). Alphonso Anderson was a key piece for Utah State with 13 points.
The Aztecs easily got past the New Mexico Lobos in their last outing, 85-57. San Diego State was lights out from beyond the arc (15-33; 45.5 percent). New Mexico, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 12.4 (better than their season average of 18.4). With 11 points and nine rebounds, San Diego State’s Jordan Schakel played well.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. Malachi Flynn recorded 22 points and five rebounds in the first game, in which the Aztecs defeated the Aggies 77-68. San Diego State had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.594 vs. 0.481). Utah State, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (14.6 vs. 18.8).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Neemias Queta (13 points) has been great for the Aggies while Yanni Wetzell (15 points,7.8 rebounds) has contributed greatly to the Aztecs.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of San Diego State (sixth in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 113.3) takes on the top-notch defense of Utah State (27th in the nation with a defensive efficiency of 90.5).
Utah State Aggies vs. San Diego State Aztecs ATS Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – San Diego State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Utah State ranks 11th in rebounds per game (41.1) while San Diego State ranks 125th (36.2).
The Aztecs rank seventh in blocks allowed per game (2.0) while the Aggies rank 117th (3.5).
San Diego State ranks 40th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Utah State ranks 138th (6.7).
The Aztecs average 22.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 139th in the nation. The Aggies rank 197th in three pointers allowed per game (23.4).
Utah State is 15th in the nation with 16.5 assists per game while San Diego State is 32nd with 15.5 assists per game.
The Aggies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.8, down from 14.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Aztecs have scored an average of 72.0 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 57.8 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
