Montana State at New Mexico odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Montana State vs. New Mexico odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Montana State Bobcats visit the New Mexico Lobos Saturday afternoon. Kick from University Stadium is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Montana State vs. New Mexico odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Montana State finished 8-4 last season including 6-2 in the Big Sky Conference, tied for 2nd overall. The Bobcats’ offense was their strength, scoring 34 or more points in 9 games while the defense allowed 22 or fewer points in 8 games. The Bobcats hope to pick up where they left off with a road win to open the season.

New Mexico finished just 4-8 in 2023 including 2-6 in the Mountain West Conference, tied for last. While the offense was able to produce for the Lobos, the defense allowed 31 or more points in 8 different games, which the team will hope to change this season. They were just 1-4 against major programs.

– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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Montana State at New Mexico odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Montana State -550 (bet $550 to win $100) | New Mexico +400 (bet $100 to win $400)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Montana State -13.5 (-110) | New Mexico +13.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Montana State at New Mexico picks and predictions

Prediction

Montana State 41, New Mexico 24

Moneyline

PASS.

There is no value on Montana State (-550) to win Saturday.

Against the spread

BET MONTANA STATE -13.5 (-110).

Even though the Bobcats are on the road and a 2-possession favorite, they are still the best bet in this matchup. Returning critical players from last year’s team, Montana State is capable of running up a score while its defense gets continual stops. Expect Montana State to score early and often while putting this game out of reach.

Over/Under

BET OVER 54.5 (-110).

Montana State alone will play a large role in the Over hitting. They opened last season by scoring 57 or more points in 2 of their 3 games and 38 or more points in 6 of their first 7 games. New Mexico will ride the home momentum, which will allow it to contribute to the total points.

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March Madness: Grambling vs. Montana State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Grambling vs. Montana State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Grambling Tigers (20-14) and Montana State Bobcats (17-17) play for the 16th seed in the Midwest Region when they meet in an NCAA Tournament First Four game Wednesday. Tip-off from UD Arena in Dayton is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET (truTV). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Grambling vs. Montana State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Grambling won the SWAC Tournament with a convincing 75-66 victory against Texas Southern in the final Saturday. Grambling covered all 3 games en route to the SWAC title, and it is 9-1 straight up (SU) across the past 10 games, with only an OT loss at Alabama State in the regular-season finale March 9 as the only setback. Grambling is 7-3 against the spread (ATS) in the past 10 games.

Montana State won the Big Sky Tournament as the No. 5 seed, topping Weber State, Sacramento State and rival Montana for the automatic bid. The Bobcats are 5-1 ATS in the past 6 games while cashing the Over in 4 of the previous 5 contests.

– Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

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Grambling vs. Montana State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 4:15 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Grambling +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Montana State -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Grambling +3.5 (-110) | Montana State -3.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Grambling vs. Montana State and predictions

Prediction

Montana State 71, Grambling 66

Moneyline

Montana State (-175) will cost you nearly 2 times your potential return, and it is too expensive as a standalone wager in this First Four battle. However, if you were to include the Bobcats as part of a multi-team parlay, it’s not terribly priced out of line.

AVOID as a singular wager.

Against the spread

MONTANA STATE -3.5 (-110) is worth playing lightly in Dayton. The Bobcats have covered 5 of the past 6 games, and they caught fire shooting against Montana in the 2nd half of the Big Sky title game.

Grambling +3.5 (-110) won’t be satisfied just to get to the First Four, but it has already made history just by getting to Dayton. It was 1 of just 2 SWAC teams which hadn’t been to the NCAA Tournament until qualifying this season.

The Tigers are a tempting play, as they’re 7-1 ATS in the past 8 tries as underdogs, but the Bobcats streak in with a little more confidence and better 3-point shooting, which will be key.

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Over/Under

OVER 134.5 (-115) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most. We’ll likely get some nerves, as this is the 1st game to tip off Wednesday night. It generally takes teams a little while to get a lay of the land at UD Arena before the shots start falling.

The Over has a slight 3-2 advantage in the past 5 games for Grambling, while the total went high in all 3 Big Sky tourney games for Montana State while cashing at a 4-1 clip in the past 5 outings.

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March Madness: Montana State vs. Kansas State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Montana State vs. Kansas State odds and lines, with expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 14th-seeded Montana State Bobcats (25-9) will look for an NCAA Tournament first-round upset of the 3-seed Kansas State Wildcats (23-9) in Greensboro, N.C., Friday at 9:40 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Montana State vs. Kansas State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 13th-ranked Wildcats come in battle-tested from the Big-12. Against an extremely difficult schedule, Kansas State limited teams to 68.7 points per game, while scoring 75.8 PPG. The Bobcats limited opponents to 66.3 points, but of course faced an easier schedule in the Big Sky.

Montana State ranked 39th this season at 47.2% FG and averaged 74 points, but is overmatched against Kansas State and its length down low.

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Montana State vs. Kansas State odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:26 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Montana State +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Kansas State -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Montana State +7.5 (-105) | Kansas State -8.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 139.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Montana State vs. Kansas State picks and predictions

Prediction

Kansas State 68, Montana State 62

Moneyline

PASS.

Kansas State, despite 9 losses, was still able to manage a 3-seed coming from the Big-12 and facing the best teams in the country.

Montana State is not one of those opponents and the Wildcats at -340 is not worth a wager. If you are adding plays to a parlay, this should be one of the safest plays of the first round. But do not wager this number straight.

Against the spread

MONTANA STATEe +7.5 (-105).

Kansas State has major advantages over the Bobcats. This will show in the rebounding margin and 2nd-chance points. Even though Kansas State will outrebound Montana State, the Bobcats still come in ranked top 40 in FG% in the nation at 47.2%. If they can continue to hit shots here, the ability for them to keep the game within 8 points is high.

Kansas State, which ranks 13th in 3-point percentage, will not need to do so in this game. With the size advantage inside, the Wildcats will rely on the post-game and with these shots not accounting for as many points as a 3-point shot, the game will also remain closer than expected.

I do not expect Montana State to win. But it can keep the game within 8 points.

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Over/Under

UNDER 139.5 (-108)

With the Wildcats allowing 68.7 points and Montana State only averaging 74.0 this game smells like an Under.

The Wildcats have gone Under the total in its last 5 games against a team with a win percentage above .600. The Under has also hit in 5 of 6 games for Kansas State following a loss.

While Montana State does not provide the challenge of a Big 12 team to the Wildcats, the Bobcats defense will provide enough of an impediment to keep this game from getting out of hand and going Over 139.5.

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Big Sky Tournament: Northern Arizona vs. Montana State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Northern Arizona vs. Montana State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks (12-22) battle the Montana State Bobcats (24-9) in the Big Sky Tournament Championship Game Wednesday. Tip from Idaho Central Arena is scheduled for 11:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Northern Arizona vs. Montana State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Northern Arizona edged past Eastern Washington 81-80 as a 7.5-point underdog Sunday in the first round of the Big Sky Tournament and took down Montana 83-71 Tuesday as a 5.5-point underdog to advance to the title game. The Lumberjacks are 6-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last 10 games to improve to 19-12-1 ATS this season.

Montana State beat Northern Colorado 84-7 as an 8.5-point favorite Sunday in its opener and beat Weber State 60-58 in overtime on Tuesday but failed to cover as a 5.5-point favorite as it advanced to the championship. The Bobcats are just 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games but are 19-11-1 ATS on the season.

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Northern Arizona vs. Montana State odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 1:15 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Northern Arizona +225 (bet $100 to win $225) | Montana State -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Northern Arizona +7.5 (-110) | Montana State -7.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 135.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Northern Arizona vs. Montana State picks and predictions

Prediction

Montana State 73, Northern Arizona 65

Moneyline

PASS.

Montana State (-350) should emerge with the victory but there is no need to risk 3 1/2 times your potential return when it should win by margin. Focus on the spread and/or total instead.

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Against the spread

LEAN MONTANA STATE -7.5 (-110).

The Bobcats are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games against a team with a losing record and are 11-7 ATS this season when favored by 5 or more points.

The Bobcats’ offense ranks 122nd in the nation in points per game (73.9) while the Lumberjacks’ defense ranks just 292nd in opponent points per game (74.4). Expect the Bobcats to overwhelm the Lumberjacks on the offensive side of the court to put this game out of reach in the closing minutes.

Over/Under

BET OVER 135.5 (-105).

The Over is 5-0 in the Lumberjacks’ last 5 games, 5-0 in their last 5 games following an outright victory, 6-0 in their last 6 games following an ATS victory and 4-0 in their last 4 neutral site games.

For the Bobcats, the Over is 5-2 in their last 7 games following an outright victory and 4-0 in their last 4 Wednesday games.

The Over is a combined 7-3 between the Lumberjacks and Bobcats at neutral sites this season and a combined 3-1 in tournament play so far.

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Big Sky Tournament: Northern Colorado vs. Montana State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Northern Colorado at Montana State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 8th-seeded Northern Colorado Bears (12-19) and No. 2 Montana State Bobcats (22-9) will tussle in a Sunday quarterfinal in the Big Sky Conference Tournament in Boise. The battle at Idaho Central Arena will tip off at 10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Northern Colorado vs. Montana State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Northern Colorado outscored Portland State 25-10 at the free-throw line in an 84-80 triumph Saturday. The up-tempo Bears — a streaky squad that has now won 2 in a row — will be seeking their 1st win in 3 tries this season against the Bobcats.

Montana State logged victory margins of 21 and 13 points in wins over UNC Jan. 5 and Feb. 4. Both games were covers, and the Bobcats are 6-1 against the spread over their last 7 games against the Bears.

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Northern Colorado vs. Montana State odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Off the board
  • Against the spread (ATS): Northern Colorado +7.5 (-110) | Montana State -7.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 146.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Northern Colorado vs. Montana State picks and predictions

Prediction

Montana State 78, Northern Colorado 70

Moneyline

The moneyline wasn’t available at the time of publication, but we’ll look to the spread anyway.

PASS.

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Against the spread

The Bears are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games against teams with winning records.

MSU coach Danny Sprinkle guided the Bobcats through these brackets to a title last season. Sprinkle’s 2022-23 group is a veteran one that has won 5 straight games and 10 of its last 11. The Bobcats are not a good 3-point-shooting team, but they are incredibly proficient in getting looks at or near the rim and in getting to the charity stripe.

Peg those factors as looming large in a neutral-site affair. BACK THE BOBCATS -7.5 (-110). Consider making this one a partial-unit play: the margin here is thin after the spread was steamed up a couple of points.

Over/Under

No leeway here. In slow MSU vs. fast UNC — but in a game that figures to have some 3s (UNC) and free throws (MSU) pushing the score — figure a final tally around 145-150.

PASS.

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Montana State at Northern Colorado odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Montana State Bobcats at Northern Colorado odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Montana State Bobcats (8-7, 1-1 Big Sky) and Northern Colorado Bears (5-9, 0-2) meet Thursday in a Big Sky tussle with opening tip at Bank of Colorado Arena at 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the _Montana State vs. Northern Colorado odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Montana State failed to cover as a 6-point favorite Saturday in a 70-67 home loss to Eastern Washington. The against-the-spread (ATS) loss was the Bobcats’ first since Nov. 26. Boasting a solid inside game on offense and a decent all-around defense, MSU is 8-4-1 ATS overall.

The Bears are 0-3 straight up and 0-3 ATS since Dec. 20. Northern Colorado has lost 4 straight games overall, and a shaky defense has been the culprit. The Bears have allowed 80-plus points in 3 of those losses and for the season they have allowed 80.5 PPG, which ranks 354th out of 363 Div. 1 teams.

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Montana State at Northern Colorado odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:54 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Montana State -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Northern Colorado +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Montana State -2.5 (-110) | Northern Colorado +2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 147.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Montana State at Northern Colorado picks and predictions

Prediction

Montana State 74, Northern Colorado 72

Moneyline

PASS. Although it’s almost tempting to take a flyer on Northern Colorado at plus-money.

Against the spread

Montana State is the lean in a vacuum and a slight betting lean at this number. But a better tag could’ve been had before the UNC slide, and there is some regression likely due for a defense that has been torched by mid-range jump shots.

STEER CLEAR.

Over/Under

The strongest play in this game is the UNDER 147.5 (-110). Its only worth a partial-unit play, but a number a point closer to 150 would be worth full-fledged action.

Both teams have played strong offensive teams so far, at least relative to their overall slates. Northern Colorado 3-pointers (37.1% accuracy rate) could endanger this play, but the Bears have been a bit off from distance in a couple of recent games. A slower MSU pace should add to the effort to slow UNC triples.

The Under is 4-0 in the Bobcats’ last 4 overall. And the Under is 5-1 in MSU’s last 6 against opponents with a losing record.

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March Madness: Montana State vs. Texas Tech odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Montana State vs. Texas Tech odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 14th-seeded Montana State Bobcats (27-7) play the No. 3 seed Texas Tech Red Raiders (25-9) Friday in the first round of the West Region. Tip-off at Viejas Arena in San Diego is set for 1:45 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Montana State vs. Texas Tech odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Montana State won the Big Sky regular-season and tournament titles to earn a bracket bid for the first time since 1996. The Bobcats are 17-14-1 ATS with 124th-ranked adjusted net rating (per KenPom) and the 302nd-toughest schedule, according to USA TODAY’s Jeff Sagarin.

Texas Tech lost to the Kansas Jayhawks 74-65 in the Big 12 Tournament title game. The Red Raiders earned an at-large bid thanks to a 20-plus-win record in the nation’s toughest conference by winning percentage.

The Red Raiders are 21-13 ATS with KenPom’s ninth-best adjusted net rating and the 25th-toughest schedule, per Sagarin.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: March Madness bracket betting bonanza

Montana State at Texas Tech odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:54 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Montana State +750 (bet $100 to win $750) | Texas Tech -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Montana State +14.5 (-105) | Texas Tech -14.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 131.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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Montana State at Texas Tech odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Texas Tech 68, Montana State 58

Money line

PASS  because Texas Tech is obviously the right side but way too expensive at -1400. The Red Raiders have the second-best defensive rating in the country and have a lot more size and experience than Montana State.

Texas Tech’s ceiling is the Final Four whereas it would be a miracle if Montana State won this game.

Against the spread

LEAN to MONTANA STATE +14.5 (-105)  because this is a Pros vs. Joe’s game in the betting market and this could be a sandwich spot for Texas Tech.

According to Pregame.com, a slight majority of the cash is on Montana State but nearly 60% of the bets placed are on Texas Tech. Since the sharps wager far more money than your average Joe, it’s generally more profitable to follow the money when it’s counter to the public.

Also, this is Texas Tech’s fourth consecutive Big Dance, which includes a 2019 national championship loss to the Virginia Cavaliers, and the Red Raiders just lost its conference title game.  It wouldn’t be shocking for Texas Tech to start slow in a first-round game it expects to breeze through.

However, I only LEAN to MONTANA STATE +14.5 (-107)  because the Under is my favorite bet in this game.

Over/Under

BET the UNDER 131.5 (-107)  because Montana State hasn’t seen anything like this Texas Tech defense and the Red Raiders have a clunky offense. Texas Tech’s defense is in the top-25 of turnover rate, effective field goal shooting and rebounding rate.

Furthermore, the Red Raiders turn games into rock-fights. Texas Tech is 1-5 O/U in its last six neutral-site games as favorites and 0-4 O/U in the last four NCAA Tournament games as favorites.

On top of that, more than 80% of the cash is on the Over but this total hasn’t budged off the consensus opener (according to Pregame.com). It’s suspicious whenever oddsmakers don’t move a line that’s getting this heavily bet into.

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Big Sky Tournament: Montana State vs. Northern Colorado odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Montana State vs. Northern Colorado odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions, best bets.

The Montana State Bobcats (26-7) face the Northern Colorado Bears (20-14) Saturday in the Big Sky Tournament Final. Tip-off from the Idaho Central Arena in Boise is at 8 p.m. ET (ESPNU). Below, we look at the Montana State vs. Northern Colorado odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The top-seed Bobcats ended the season on a 2-6 ATS skid, but Montana State has won and covered each game in the Big Sky Tournament so far.

Montana State won the most recent game vs. Northern Colorado in the regular-season finale, 87-85, although the Bears covered as four-point ‘dogs. The Bears won the first meeting in Greeley by a 77-75 count in overtime, although MSU narrowly covered as 2.5-point underdogs.

The Bears were impressive in ousting Portland State Friday, and they’re now 3-1 ATS across the past four games overall. The Over has cashed in six of the past eight games overall for NorCo.

See alsoFerris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

Montana State vs. Northern Colorado odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Montana State -180 (bet $180 to win $100) | Northern Colorado +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Montana State -3.5 (-115) | Northern Colorado +3.5 (-107)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 147.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Montana State vs. Northern Colorado odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Montana State 77, Northern Colorado 74

Money line

MONTANA STATE (-180) is a little on the expensive side, but it is worth the play in what should be a close game. Just picking the winner straight up, rather than trying to pick the winner and win by a certain amount can be less stressful.

The Bobcats are looking to go dancing for the first time since 1996, so Montana State could get off to a bit of a slow start in this potentially historic game for the program. We might see some nerves before the Bobcats get their sea legs and get going.

Against the spread

NORTHERN COLORADO +3.5 (-107) is worth playing in what should be a close game. Both games were decided by a bucket during the regular season.

As mentioned above, the weight of the world is on the shoulders of Montana State -3.5 (-115), as it looks to get to the Big Dance for the first time in 26 years. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Northern Colorado leading at halftime before Montana State starts to chip away in the second half. This game likely could end in typical March Madness fashion with a buzzer beater, too. That’s how evenly matched these teams have been this season.

Over/Under

The OVER 147.5 (-108) is the dominant trend for both teams lately. The Over is 20-7 in the past 27 games overall for Northern Colorado, while cashing in seven of the past 10 neutral-site games. The Over has hit in four straight against winning teams, too.

For Montana State, the Over is an impressive 7-2-1 in the past 10 games overall, while cashing the Over in six of the past seven games as a favorite.

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Northern Colorado at Montana State odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Northern Colorado at Montana State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Northern Colorado Bears (18-13, 13-6 Big Sky) travel to meet the Montana State Bobcats (23-7, 15-4) at Worthington Arena in Bozeman, Mont. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we look at the Northern Colorado vs. Montana State odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Bears picked up an impressive 75-66 win at Montana Thursday, winning for the fourth time in the past five games. Northern Colorado posted a 77-75 overtime home win in the first matchup with Montana State this season back on Dec. 2 in Greeley.

The Bobcats wrapped up the Big Sky regular-season title with a 75-69 win over visiting Sacramento State Thursday, although Montana State is just 2-5 against the spread (ATS) across the past seven games overall. The Over is 5-1-1 in the past seven for MSU.

See alsoFerris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

Northern Colorado at Montana State odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:57 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Northern Colorado +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Montana State -280 (bet $280 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Northern Colorado +5.5 (-105) | Montana State -5.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 148.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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Northern Colorado at Montana State odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Montana State 76, Northern Colorado 73

Money line

Montana State (-280) is a little on the steep side, costing nearly three times your potential return. Betting heavy money line favorites like this is going to cost a gambler in the long run.

AVOID.

Against the spread

NORTHERN COLORADO +5.5 (-105) is worth a play in this one. Montana State already sealed up the conference’s regular-season title and the No. 1 seed in the Big Sky Tournament. The Bears are at least guaranteed an NIT bid – assuming they don’t win the league tourney – so, it remains to be seen how hungry they’ll be Saturday.

NorCo is fighting for seeding in the upcoming Big Sky tourney, and coming off its impressive win at Montana last time out.

Plus, the road team has cashed in seven straight in this head-to-head series, and the underdog is an impressive 5-1 ATS in the past six meetings.

Over/Under

The OVER 148.5 (-107) is the lean here, ever so slightly, mainly based upon the trends.

The Over has hit in 18 of the past 24 games overall for Northern Colorado, including 3-1-1 in the past five against winning teams. The Over is 5-1-1 in the past seven games overall for Montana State, too.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Montana State at Northern Colorado odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Montana State at Northern Colorado sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The Montana State Bobcats (3-3 overall, 0-0 Big Sky) visit the Northern Colorado Bears (5-4, 2-2) in a Thursday evening (8:30 p.m. ET) Big Sky tussle at Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley, Colo. Below, we analyze the Montana State-Northern Colorado college basketball betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Montana State at Northern Colorado: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Montana State +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Northern Colorado -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Montana State +4.5 (-115) | Northern Colorado -4.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under: 137.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Montana State at Northern Colorado: Three things to know

  1. Thursday’s contest is slated to be the first of two in three days between the Bobcats and Bears. The Big Sky’s COVID-adjusted schedule calls for college hockey style, two-game trips. Northern Colorado is coming off a two-game series at Montana. MSU is playing in its first conference set with these two at Northern Colorado.
  2. The Bears have had some shooting woes in going 2-3 over their last five games. Over that stretch, Northern Colorado has shot just 42.9% from the field. For the season, the Bears rank 228th in the nation in effective field-goal percentage (47.5%).
  3. Montana State hasn’t had a straight-up win over an NCAA-I foe since Nov. 25 (91-78 at UNLV). A year ago, the Bobcats went 5-10 on the road. That record included a 68-59 loss at Northern Colorado Jan. 2, 2020. In what was a 4-to-8-point game for much of the second half, MSU finished as a minus-7 in turnover margin and the Bobcats registered just one offensive rebound.

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Montana State at Northern Colorado: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Montana State 69, Northern Colorado 68

Money line (ML)

Consider MONTANA STATE +155 as an undercard, or partial-unit sidecar bet, alongside a wager with the points.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Bears are 1-5 ATS in their last six home games. Over the last five games in this Big Sky series, the road team is 4-1 ATS.

And that’s the significant lean here: TAKE THE BOBCATS +4.5 (-115). A shay UNC offense is worthy of being faded. Montana State is near the same level talent-wise as Montana that just played back-to-back two-point games against the Bears.

Over/Under (O/U)

Too much small-sample gray area here. Tag this one with a slight lean on the UNDER (137.5, -110), but there isn’t enough data or value to leverage.

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