Boise State (16-8) vs Fresno State (11-14)
February 17, 2024 at 07:30 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Boise State -14.5 – Over/Under: 136.5
The Boise State Broncos will host the Fresno State Bulldogs for a matchup in the Mountain West this Saturday from the ExtraMile Arena on the CBS Sports Network. Boise comes in as 14.5-point home favorites, with the total hovering 136.5. Stay tuned for our Fresno State vs Boise State Prediction.
Fresno State Bulldogs Preview
Fresno State fell to 11-14 after falling to UNLV at home by two, 67-65. The Bulldogs were edged out late by the Runnin’ Rebels, and they’ll attempt to avenge a January loss to the Broncos this Saturday. Fresno St. is scoring 69.2 points per game, on 47.6% shooting, while allowing 72.6 ppg, and they’re currently 9th in the Mountain West with a 4-8 record in conference play. The Bulldogs are 4-6 over their last ten games, and they’ve gone 3-6 on the road this season.
Fresno State Team Profile
- Justin Hutson’s group leans on their defense and uses a shot-clock heavy approach on offense, averaging 71.1 possessions per game (200th), and they shoot 34.7% from deep (138th).
- Senior guard Isaiah Hill leads Fresno in scoring (12.0) and assists (6.6).
- Wyoming transfer Xavier Dusell poured in 29 points in the road win over Air Force, and he’s second on the team at 11.2 ppg.
- Junior center Enoch Boakye grabbed 14 boards in the in-state matchup versus SJSU, and he leads the Bulldogs in rebounding (8.2), while scoring 8.4 ppg.
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Boise State Broncos Preview
Boise State moved to 16-8 after losing to Utah State in Logan, 80-61. The Broncos were blitzed in both halves by the Aggies, and they’ll attempt to respond here against the Bulldogs. Boise St. is scoring 74.3 points per game, on 45.0% shooting, while allowing 65.3 ppg, and they’re currently third in the Mountain West with a 7-4 record in conference play. The Broncos are 6-4 over their last ten games, and they’ve gone 10-2 in Boise this season.
Boise State Team Profile
- Leon Rice’s team also plays slow and leans on their defensive unit, averaging 68.7 possessions per game (254th), and they’ve connected on 34.0% of their three-point shots (181st).
- Spokane native Tyson Degenhart has scored 24 points or more in three of the last five games, and he leads Boise in scoring (16.1), while grabbing 5.6 rpg.
- Senior guard Chibuzo Agbo led the way with 16 points in the January 24th win over Fresno, land he’s averaging 14.0 ppg and 4.9 rpg.
- St. John’s transfer O’mar Stanley grabbed 14 boards in the ranked win over New Mexico, and he leads the Broncos in rebounding (6.3), while scoring 12.8 ppg.
Fresno vs Boise Trends
- FRES is 11-13 against the spread, with a 14-10 O/U record
- BOIS is 11-11 ATS, with a 11-11 over/under record.
Fresno State vs Boise State Prediction
The Fresno/Boise matchup has been a staple of the WAC and Mountain West for decades now, and when they collide the scores have often finished tight. I don’t think the Bulldogs come in and hand the Broncos a loss, but with each of their last five matchups being decided by ten points or less, the margin could get tricky. With both schools playing faster than normal this season, let’s back the Over for this MWC clash, and don’t shy away completely from a big win for Boise.