Montana (18-9) vs Portland State (16-12)
February 24, 2024 at 09:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Montana -7.5 — Over/Under: 143.5
The Portland State Vikings will play the Montana Grizzlies in a Big Sky game on Saturday night at Dahlberg Arena in Missoula, Montana. Portland State has won two of their last three games, while Montana has won three of their last four. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Portland State vs Montana prediction.
Portland State Preview
The Portland State Vikings are 16-12 (7-8) this season after they lost to Montana State by a score of 72-67 in their last game. Portland State led 37-36 at halftime, but they were out scored 36-30 in the second half in the loss. The Vikings shot 39.7% from the field and were +9 in rebounding margin in the game. Portland State defeated NAU by a score of 83-68 and Northern Colorado by a score of 82-72 in the two games prior to Montana State. The Vikings are scoring 72 points per game with 36.5 rebounds per game and 12.2 assists per game, while giving up 71.4 points against per game this year. KJ Allen is averaging 12.2 points per game, 6.8 rebounds per game, and 1.3 assists per game. Portland State is shooting 42% from the field, 69% on free throws, and 32.7% on three pointers this season.
Montana Preview
The Montana Grizzlies are 18-9 (9-5) this year after they defeated Sacramento State by a score of 68-61 in their last game. Montana led 32-29 at halftime and added 36 second half points for the win. The Grizzlies shot 57.4% from the field and were +5 in rebounding margin in the game. Montana defeated Montana State by a score of 88-69 in the game prior to Sacramento State, but lost to Northern Colorado before that. The Grizzlies are scoring 76.9 points per game with 34.6 rebounds per game and 15.2 assists per game, while allowing 71.3 points against per game this season. Aanen Moody is averaging 15.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Montana is shooting 48% from the field, 79.3% on free throws, and 35.2% on three pointers this year.
Portland State vs Montana Betting Prediction
Montana comes into this game with a 9-5 conference record and they are currently tied for third in the Big Sky standings. The Grizzlies are shooting 48% from the field and they will be at home for this matchup. Portland State is 7-8 in conference play, but they have played better in their last three games. The Vikings lost a close game at Montana State and picked up two nice wins against NAU and Northern Colorado. Portland State did beat Montana in their first meeting by a score of 72-46 and while I do think Montana wins this game, I like Portland State to keep it close. Take the Vikings here.