The University of Denver Pioneers (2-1) travel to Pocatello to take on the Idaho State Bengals (1-2) Friday at 9 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Denver vs. Idaho State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
After winning 2 of 3 home games to start the season, the Pioneers will be on the road for the 1st time this season and are facing a team in the Bengals who have struggled to a 1-2 record early.
While Denver has been scoring early this season, this is not normally the case for the Pioneers who prefer to keep games lower scoring. In its 2 games against Div. 1 teams, Denver has averaged 68.5 points. In its game against Colorado College, it scored a season-high 90.
While Denver has played Colorado College and Sacramento State, Idaho State has battled the likes of BYU and Utah. Although both games were losses for the Bengals, they kept the games close losing 70-58 to Utah in their last game and 60-56 in their opener against the Cougars.
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Denver at Idaho State odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:55 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Denver +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Idaho State -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Denver +2.5 (-110) | Idaho State -2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Denver at Idaho State picks and predictions
Prediction
Idaho State 68, Denver 66
Moneyline
PASS.
The -150 on Idaho State is within the margin I would wager. But my feeling is the Bengals will cover the spread of -2.5. Saying this, I would rather make a play on the spread.
Against the spread
BET IDAHO STATE -2.5 (-110).
I must admit, I have a soft spot for Denver. I have for many years. I have cashed a lot of tickets with them. But this is not a good spot for the Pioneers.
With Idaho State coming into this game after 2 tough early games against Utah and BYU, it will be a pleasant surprise to get a Denver team in this game entering its 1st road game of the season. The Bengals are 2-0 against the spread in 2022 while Denver is 0-2. Those trends continue Friday and Idaho State covers. I will take Idaho State -2.5 (-110) as my favorite play.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 134.5 (-105).
When these 2 teams have played other teams of equal or better talent this season, they have not scored.
Denver has averaged 68.5 points in these games while Idaho State has averaged 57. These numbers are not conducive with this game getting to the Over and I do not feel that it will. I will take the Under 134.5 (-105).
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