Montana State Bobcats vs UC Riverside Highlanders NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/18/24
The Bobcats and Highlanders are set to face off at 10:00 ET on ESPN+. The Highlanders will host the game at SRC Arena in Riverside, CA. The over/under for this non-conference contest is set at 145.5 points, with UC Riverside being favored by -1.5 over Montana State.
MONTANA STATE BOBCATS VS UC RIVERSIDE HIGHLANDERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: UC Riverside Highlanders -1.5
This game will be played at SRC Arena at 10:00 ET on Wednesday, December 18th.
WHY BET THE UC RIVERSIDE HIGHLANDERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-70 in favor of the Highlanders.
- Not only will UC Riverside pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -1.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 145.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Do the Bobcats Stand a Chance in Riverside?
Montana State Bobcats Recent Game/Games
The Bobcats fell to 4-6 on the season after an 89-63 loss to USC on Sunday. Montana State went into the game as +9 underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 152, surpassing the O/U line of 142.5.
Montana State struggled early, trailing 47-21 at halftime. While they matched USC’s 42 points in the second half, the damage was already done.
Montana State struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 32.8% from the field and 22.7% from three-point range, finishing with 63 points. Their effective field goal percentage was 36.1%, and they managed only 7 offensive rebounds.
Desmond Claude led the way with 19 points on 6-of-8 shooting, while Saint Thomas added 17 points and 7 rebounds, hitting his only three-point attempt. Brandon Walker contributed 14 points, and Chibuzo Agbo chipped in 12, knocking down 2 of 5 from beyond the arc.
Montana State’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 89 points on 50% shooting from the field. They allowed their opponent to hit 57% of their two-point attempts, with 26 made shots inside the arc.
From three-point range, Montana State’s defense held their opponent to 33% shooting, with 6 made threes. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 24 times, where they converted 19 attempts for 79%. Montana State gave up 12 offensive rebounds in the game.
Will the Highlanders Find a Way to Win at Home?
UC Riverside Highlanders Recent Game/Games
UC Riverside improved to 5-4 on the season with a 75-68 win over Cal State Fullerton on Saturday. The Highlanders were -10 favorites going into the game but didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game were 143, surpassing the O/U line of 134.5.
After trailing 39-37 at halftime, UC Riverside tightened up defensively, allowing just 29 points in the 2nd half while scoring 38 of their own to secure the win.
UC Riverside put up 75 points in their last game, shooting 47.2% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 56.6%. They connected on 36% of their three-point attempts, hitting 9 of 25 from deep, and were solid from the free-throw line, making 16 of 21 for a 76.2% rate.
Barrington Hargress led the team with 20 points, despite shooting just 38.9% overall and 25% from three. Kaleb Smith added 18 points, hitting 4 of 9 from beyond the arc, while Kaleb Brown contributed 17 points, though he struggled from three, making just 1 of 8 attempts.
UC Riverside’s defense gave up 68 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 47% from the field (25/53). They allowed 57% shooting on two-point attempts (16/28).
From beyond the arc, UC Riverside’s opponents shot 36%, hitting 9 of 25 three-pointers. They also sent them to the free-throw line 21 times, where they converted 16 free throws (76%). UC Riverside limited offensive rebounds, giving up just 5.