Montana State Bobcats vs Denver Pioneers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 11/17/24

The Bobcats and Pioneers are set to face off at 4:00 ET on Summ. The Pioneers will host the game at Hamilton Gymnasium in Denver, CO. Montana State is the -4 point favorites in this non-conference matchup against Denver. The over/under for the game is set at 151.5 points.

MONTANA STATE BOBCATS VS DENVER PIONEERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Denver Pioneers +4

This game will be played at Hamilton Gymnasium at 4:00 ET on Sunday, November 17th.

WHY BET THE DENVER PIONEERS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 75-74 in favor of the Pioneers.
• Not only will Denver pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +4.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 151.5 points, and we like the under with a projected 149 points.

Can the Bobcats Live Up to the Hype on the Road?

Montana State’s season opener didn’t go as planned, as they fell 89-69 to Wichita State on Saturday. The Bobcats were +10 point underdogs heading into the game, and they failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 158, surpassing the O/U line of 151.5.

Montana State found themselves in a tough spot early, trailing 46-31 at halftime. They scored 38 points in the second half but allowed 43, making it difficult to close the gap.

Montana State’s offense put up 69 points in their last game, shooting 37.3% from the field. They struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 27.9% on 12-of-43 shooting, though they were more efficient inside, connecting on 54.2% of their two-point attempts.

Justin Hill led the team with 17 points and 5 assists, while Corey Washington and Harlond Beverly each added 14 points. Quincy Ballard was highly efficient, shooting 83.3% from the field, and Brian Goracke knocked down 3-of-4 threes, finishing with 11 points.

Montana State’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 89 points on 52% shooting from the field. They allowed 29 two-point baskets on 49 attempts, a 59% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, they held their opponent to 25% shooting, with just 3 made threes on 12 attempts. However, they sent them to the line 26 times, where they converted 22 free throws at an 84% clip. Montana State also gave up 10 offensive rebounds.

Can Denver Secure a Home Victory?

Denver Pioneers Recent Game/Games

Denver dropped their latest game to Colorado State, 74-65, on Tuesday. Playing on the road, the Pioneers were +22 point underdogs but managed to keep the game closer than expected.

Denver trailed 36-34 at halftime and scored 31 points in the 2nd half while allowing 38. The combined points of 139 fell under the O/U line of 153.5.

Denver’s offense struggled in their last game, shooting just 39.3% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc, finishing with 65 points. Their effective field goal percentage was 45.9%, though they did hit 81.8% of their free throws, going 9-for-11.

Jalen Lake led the way with 19 points, shooting 70.0% overall and 50.0% from three. Isaiah Addo-Ankrah added 16 points, hitting 4 threes at a 50.0% clip, while Jaylen Crocker-Johnson and Isaiah Carr were efficient inside, combining for 12-for-15 shooting.

Denver’s defense gave up 74 points, with the opposing team shooting 45% from the field on 27 of 59 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 20 two-point baskets on 31 attempts, a 64% shooting rate.

From three-point range, Denver held the other team to 25% shooting, as they made 7 of 28 attempts. The opposing team also went 13 of 15 from the free-throw line, shooting 86%. Denver gave up 10 offensive rebounds.