A new rivalry kicks off tonight as the Weber State Wild Cats take on the Utah State Aggies. What numbers have the NCAA Basketball odds makers set out for us, and where do we believe that the best betting value lies?
Over the years Utah State has always had the
advantage on their own court, but things have started to change this year. Read
to find out why we are adding a Weber State cover to our NCAA Basketball picks
tonight, and why we also feel like an upset is not out of the question either.
The line and match up
The NCAA Basketball odds makers have opened Utah State (2-1)
as an 8 point favorite against Weber State (1-1). Utah State has faced the more
difficult opening schedule, beating Idaho State and Texas AM CC. However, their
hard fought game against a very good St Marys team, where they lost by 9 points,
might have been their most impressive showing to date. Meanwhile, Weber State
has only played Arizona Christian and San Jose State, a team they last to by
one point in OT.
Most under rated home court advantage?
Since head coach Stew Merrill took over for the Aggies, his
team has won a whopping 92% of their home games. Merrill knows how to recruit
the perfect players that fit his system perfectly, and these young men respond
well to the roar of their fans. Fortunately, their gym is so tiny that they
practically sell out every single home game and the crowd noise is deafening.
This year has seen different results, as Utah State has
already lost once on their home floor, and they are 0-3 ATS while being listed as
the favorite in all three of those games.
Weber State can burn it up from 3
Weber State has been able to rely on their outside shooting,
as they are knocking down 49% of their threes. They are quite the explosive
bunch on the offensive end, lead by Davion Berry, who is averaging nearly 20
points per game. Berry isn't the only one who can put the ball in the hoop though;
four out of the five starters on the Wildcats are averaging double digit
scoring.
Utah State is going to have a heck of a time defending this
explosive offense. Remember how we said Weber is shooting 49% from three? Well
in only three games this year the Aggies have already given up 25 threes and rank
dead last in the WAC in three point percentage defense.
Take the points
In our opinion, the NCAA Basketball linesmen are asking for
too many points here. Utah State head coach was quoted as saying “I think they
are fired up to play, but some of them don't understand this instate thing
yet”. Those are some concerning quotes from the coach. This is going to be a
tense and heated game until the clock hits zero, and if Weber continues their
success from beyond the arc, it is very possible for them to walk away with the
straight up victory.
NCAA Basketball Picks: Weber State +8 is our play. Line available at 5dimes.