Radford Highlanders vs Utah Runnin’ Utes NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/14/24
The Highlanders and Runnin’ Utes are set to face off at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The Runnin’ Utes will host the game at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, UT. This non-conference matchup has an over/under of 142.5 points, and Utah is favored by -18.5 vs. Radford.
RADFORD HIGHLANDERS VS UTAH RUNNIN’ UTES BETTING PICK
The Pick: Radford Highlanders +18.5
This game will be played at Jon M. Huntsman Center at 7:00 ET on Saturday, December 14th.
WHY BET THE RADFORD HIGHLANDERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 74-72 in favor of the Runnin’ Utes.
- Even though we have Utah winning straight-up, we like Radford at +18.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 142.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Taking a Look at the Highlanders Chances in Salt Lake City
Radford Highlanders Recent Game/Games
Radford improved to 8-2 on the season with a 74-70 win over Bucknell on Sunday. The Highlanders were -6.5 point favorites at home but didn’t cover the spread. The game’s total points (144) went over the O/U line of 133.5.
Radford led 29-25 at halftime but allowed 34 points in the 2nd half while scoring 30. Despite not covering the spread, they managed to secure the win.
Radford’s offense put up 74 points in their last game, shooting 39% from the field and 27.8% from beyond the arc, hitting just 5 of 18 threes. Their effective field goal percentage was 44.1%, and they connected on 63.9% of their free throws, going 23 for 36 from the line.
Achile Spadone led the way with 22 points, shooting 75% overall and 60% from deep. Josh Bascoe added 19 points despite shooting 31.6% from the field and 22.2% from three. The Highlanders grabbed 17 offensive rebounds and dished out 13 assists in the win.
Radford’s defense held their opponent to 70 points on 39% shooting from the field, with 18 made two-pointers on 41 attempts, a 43% success rate.
From beyond the arc, the opponent shot 27%, hitting 5 of 18 threes. Radford sent them to the line 36 times, where they made 23 free throws, a 63% clip. The Highlanders gave up 17 offensive rebounds.
Will Utah Live Up to Expectations at Home?
Utah Runnin’ Utes Recent Game/Games
Utah’s season record dropped to 6-2 after a 72-63 home loss to Saint Mary’s on Saturday. The Utes, favored by 3.5 points, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 135, falling short of the 141.5 O/U line.
Utah found themselves in a deep hole early, trailing 39-22 at halftime. They showed some fight in the second half, outscoring Saint Mary’s 41-33, but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.
Utah struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 37.5% from the field and 27.8% from beyond the arc, finishing with 63 points. Their effective field goal percentage was 40.6%, and they hit only 58.8% of their free throws.
Paulius Murauskas was a standout, scoring 29 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including 6-of-10 from three-point range. Gabe Madsen added 15 points, while Miro Little contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds, along with 6 assists.
Utah’s defense held their opponent to 72 points on 37% shooting from the field, including 41% from two-point range. They also limited three-point damage, with the other team hitting just 5 of 18 attempts for 27%.
From the free-throw line, Utah’s opponent shot 58%, making 10 of 17. The Utes gave up 15 offensive rebounds in the game.