BYU Cougars vs
Utah Running UtesPredictions & Preview

BYU Favored Over Utah in Closely Matched Basketball Rivalry Game

The upcoming basketball game between the Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars on Saturday is expected to be a closely contested matchup. Last season, Utah emerged victorious with a 73-69 win over BYU. Historically, both teams have had success in this rivalry, with each team winning five of the last 10 meetings. BYU currently holds a 6-4 advantage against the spread in those games. The Cougars are the favored team in this upcoming game, opening at -1. The betting line has remained steady leading up to the matchup.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Cougars -115 | Running Utes -105
• Spread: Cougars -1 (-110) | Running Utes +1 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 151 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that BYU will win straight-up is 53%.

BYU vs Utah Stats

BYU Cougars

BYU Cougars are currently 43rd overall in the KenPom ratings, with a balanced team that excels in offensive efficiency, ranking 27th, and defensive efficiency, ranking 81st. They have faced a strength of schedule ranked 180th and maintain a tempo rating of 204th. The team averages 80.8 points per game, with 10.5 three-pointers made per game. Leading scorer Richie Saunders averages 13.7 points per game, while newcomer Keba Keita contributes 6.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.

In their recent game against Oklahoma State, the Cougars emerged victorious with a final score of 85-69, shooting 52% from the field and 43% from three-point range. Overall, BYU is ranked 61st in offense and 57th in defense, with stats including shooting 47.92% from the field and 35.97% from three-point range. They average 39.69 rebounds per game and have 17.19 offensive assists along with 12.00 turnovers per game. Defensively, they allow their opponents to shoot 41.43% from the field and 35.35% from beyond the arc.

Utah Running Utes Analysis

The Utah Utes are currently ranked 70th overall in the KenPom ratings, with a balanced offensive and defensive efficiency ranking of 74th and 80th, respectively. They have a strength of schedule rating of 161st and are ranked 60th in adjusted tempo. Leading the team in scoring is senior Gabe Madsen with 16.3 points per game, while rebounding is a collaborative effort with five Utes averaging more than four rebounds per game.

After a four-game losing streak, the Utes have bounced back with back-to-back wins against Oklahoma State and TCU. In their recent victory over TCU, Madsen recorded 17 points and five assists, while Dawes contributed 16 points off the bench and Wahlin grabbed 11 rebounds. The team is currently scoring an average of 80.6 points per game and has shown improvement in their recent performances.

For those interested in NCAAB handicappers, it is important to consider the statistics and rankings of the Utah Running Utes as they continue to compete in the season.

BYU holds the edge over Utah in closely contested basketball rivalry

The BYU-Utah basketball rivalry boasts a closely matched history, with BYU currently holding a narrow 134-130 lead in the all-time series. Utah is only a slight 1.5-point favorite at home, highlighting the balanced nature of the competition. BYU's vulnerabilities, including turnovers and struggles against slower-paced opponents, contrast with Utah's strengths in playing at a faster tempo and limiting turnovers. This style difference may work in BYU's favor, as they excel in rebounding and could capitalize on second-chance opportunities. While Utah's Lawson Lovering poses a significant defensive challenge, BYU's Keba Keita brings superior athleticism and motivation, having previously played for Utah. Keita's presence should tip the scales in BYU's favor, particularly in rebounding and paint dominance. Consequently, BYU holds the advantage in this closely contested rivalry matchup.

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