San Jose State head coach Dave Wojcik has done a tremendous job this season as the Spartans have their most conference wins (7) since 1995-96. Looking to end an 18-game losing streak to Utah State, the Spartans hope to secure their fifteen win of the season in this Mountain West Conference affair.
San Jose State has shown incredible poise this season, posting four wins in games in which it trailed by double-digits. The most recent come-from-behind win occurred on Saturday against Air Force wherein the Spartans erased a 13-point deficit to ultimately prevail 83-78 in overtime. The Spartans trailed 41-28 at halftime and 64-54 with 7:13 left in the second half before fueling their comeback.
The Spartans are 9-5 SU at home this season where they are averaging 77.6 points per game and converting 72.8% of their free throws. The Spartans have also won and covered five of their last six games over which time they are averaging 74.4 points per game and making 74.3% of their foul shots.
Overall, San Jose State is mediocre offensively (74.0 points per game against teams that would combine to allow 74.0 points per game), but that is good enough to have success against a pedestrian Utah State stop unit that is allowing 75.9 points per game on the road. The Aggies are allowing opponents to make 38.0% of their three-pointers on the road, including 40.3% from beyond the arc over their last five games.
Those defensive numbers are appealing for San Jose State investors in light of the fact that the Spartans are shooting 48.7% from the field over their last five games and are converting 35.6% of their tree-point attempts at home.
I also like the fact that San Jose State is limiting its opponents to just 33 rebounds per game at home (7 offensive boards), while the Aggies are averaging a woeful 32 rebounds per game on the road (7 offensive boards).
Utah State is 2-10 SU and 2-9 ATS on the road this season where its averaging just 66.2 points per game on 42.8% shooting from the field. Over its last five contests, the Aggies are averaging 66.2 points on 40.5% shooting from the floor. One also has to question how much gas Utah State has left in the tank after losing four of its last five games, including back-to-back defeats against San Diego State and Nevada.
From a technical standpoint, Utah State is a money-burning 6-13-1 ATS in its last 20 games overall, 3-10 ATS in its last thirteen games following a loss, 3-10-1 ATS in its last fourteen games as an underdog and 1-7 ATS in its last eight road affairs. With San Jose State standing at 5-1 ATS in its last six Mountain West Conference games, take the Spartans and invest with confidence.
Oskeim Sports’ Free Mountain West Conference Pick: San Jose State (-1) (-110)