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The Washington State Cougars (7-2) face the Boise State Broncos (6-2) Saturday evening. Tip-off from Idaho Central Arena is set for 4 p.m. ET (CBS). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college basketball odds around the Washington State vs. Boise State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks and predictions.
Washington State secured an impressive 68-57 upset over Nevada Monday night, covering as 11-point road underdogs. The game also stayed under the 145.5 total. The Cougars’ defense shut down Nevada’s 42.8% 3-point shooting, holding them to just 20% (4-for-20) from deep. Four starters scored in double figures for Washington State, led by sophomore guard Isaiah Watts, who tallied 17 points.
Boise State bounced back Tuesday night with an 87-64 win over Utah Tech but failed to cover as 24.5-point home favorites. The Broncos dominated in the paint, outscoring Utah Tech 44-32 and holding a 38-22 edge on the boards. Senior forward Tyson Degenhart led all scorers with 21 points and added 6 rebounds in the victory.
– Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll
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Washington State at Boise State odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college basketball odds. Lines last updated at 9:40 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Washington State +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Boise State -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Washington State +8.5 (-120) | Boise State -8.5 (+100)
- Over/Under (O/U): 151.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Washington State at Boise State picks and predictions
Prediction
Boise State 81, Washington State 75
Moneyline
PASS.
Boise should take this one, but -350 is too tall of a task in the long run.
Against the spread
BET WASHINGTON STATE +8.5 (-120).
Washington State takes on Boise State in a pseudo-neutral site matchup that’s shaping up to be a shootout. The Cougars are loaded offensively, averaging 83 points per game, 2nd in the WCC behind Gonzaga. They feature 6 players scoring in double figures, a rarity in college basketball. Four Cougars have hit double digits in 7 games this season, with 4 players posting 20-point performances.
Defense is a concern for Washington State, but they lead the WCC and rank 14th nationally with 5.7 blocked shots per game. Boise State is no slouch on offense, averaging 82.3 points, but they’ve failed to cover the spread in 4 straight games. Meanwhile, the Cougars have covered in 3 of their last 5 and won their last head-to-head matchup with Boise State in December.
Boise State’s firepower makes them favorites, but Washington State’s depth and scoring consistency should keep this game tighter than the spread suggests. Expect a competitive battle.
Over/Under
BET OVER 151.5 (-115).
Boise State has been an Over machine, topping the posted total in 5 of their last 6 games. While Washington State has gone Under in 5 of their last 6, that shouldn’t deter you. The Cougars boast an offense scoring 82 points per game (64th nationally) but struggle defensively, ranking 253rd while allowing 74 points per game and 42.2% shooting.
Washington State thrives in a high-paced style, ranking 30th in the country with 75.6 possessions per game. Combine their tempo with Boise State’s scoring capability, and Saturday’s game has all the makings of a fast-paced, back-and-forth battle. The Over feels like the smart play in what should be an entertaining affair.
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