Idaho Vandals vs Pacific Tigers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/21/24

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Vandals versus the Tigers? Tip off is at at 4:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Alex G. Spanos Center in Stockton, CA. The over/under for this game is set at 143.5 points, and Pacific is favored by -4.5 against Idaho in a non-conference matchup.

IDAHO VANDALS VS PACIFIC TIGERS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Idaho Vandals +4.5

This game will be played at Alex G. Spanos Center at 4:00 ET on Saturday, December 21st.

WHY BET THE IDAHO VANDALS:

  • We have this one finishing with a projected score of 74-73 in favor of the Vandals.
  • Not only will Idaho pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +4.5.
  • The over/under is currently sitting at 143.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.

Can Idaho Deliver Being Underdogs on the Road?

Idaho’s season continues to be a struggle, as they dropped to 2-8 after a 74-66 road loss to UC Davis on Wednesday. The Vandals entered the game as +6.5 underdogs and failed to cover the spread, while the total points of 140 fell just short of the O/U line of 141.5.

Idaho trailed 32-25 at halftime but couldn’t make up ground in the 2nd half, scoring 41 points while allowing 42.

Idaho’s offense struggled in their last game, shooting just 36.2% from the field and 25% from three-point range, finishing with an effective field goal percentage of 41.4%. They did connect on 85.7% of their free throws, going 18-for-21 from the line.

Kolton Mitchell led the way with 26 points, hitting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and shooting 66.7% overall. Ty Johnson added 19 points, despite shooting 0-for-3 from three, while Niko Rocak contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds, making all but one of his four field goal attempts.

Idaho’s defense gave up 74 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 42% from the field. They allowed 16 two-point baskets on 36 attempts, for a 44% shooting percentage.

From beyond the arc, Idaho’s opponents went 5/14, shooting 35%. The Vandals also sent the other team to the free-throw line 43 times, where they made 27 free throws, a 62% success rate. Idaho allowed 15 offensive rebounds.

Will Pacific Find a Way to Win at Home?

Pacific Tigers Recent Game/Games

Pacific fell to 3-8 on the season after an 81-75 home loss to Portland State on Wednesday, December 18th. The Tigers, who were -4.5 favorites, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 43-29 at halftime, Pacific put up a fight in the 2nd half, outscoring the Vikings 46-38. The game’s total points of 156 exceeded the O/U line of 148.5.

Pacific’s offense struggled from the field in their last game, shooting just 34.5% overall and 24% from beyond the arc, with an effective field goal percentage of 40%. Despite their shooting woes, they managed to put up 75 points, thanks in large part to their success at the free-throw line, where they hit 31 of 36 attempts for an 86.1% rate.

Cole Farrell led the way with 18 points, shooting 60% from the field and 66.7% from three. Elias Ralph, Elijah Fisher, Jefferson Koulibaly, and Shane Nowell each contributed 15 points, with Lamar Washington adding 14 points and 6 assists. Isaiah Johnson grabbed 11 rebounds to go along with his 12 points.

Despite Pacific holding their opponent to just 34% shooting from the field, the Tigers still gave up 81 points. They allowed 43% shooting on two-point attempts, with the opposition hitting 13 of 30 shots. From beyond the arc, Pacific’s defense limited their opponent to 6 of 25 shooting, just 24%.

Pacific sent their opponent to the free-throw line 36 times, where they converted 31 attempts, an 86% success rate. The Tigers also gave up 9 offensive rebounds in the game.