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Washington State Cougars vs. Washington Huskies: Expert Prediction & Betting Tips

The Washington State Cougars visit the Washington Huskies on Wednesday, December 18th, in an exciting non-conference matchup at the Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. With both teams boasting impressive starts to their seasons, this game offers intriguing betting opportunities. Here’s a detailed analysis to help you make informed decisions.

Washington Huskies Preview

The Washington Huskies enter this game with a 7-3 record, fresh off an 87-69 win over Eastern Washington. At home, they hold a 5-1 record, but their 4-5 record against the spread (ATS) suggests inconsistency in meeting expectations.

Offensive and Defensive Stats:

Points per Game (PPG): 71.5 (271st in the nation)

Points Allowed per Game: 68.6 (118th nationally)

Field Goal Percentage: 43.5% (251st)

Three-Point Shooting: 32.1% (256th)

Free Throw Percentage: 61.4% (355th, bottom-10 nationally)

Key Player Contributions:

Great Osobor leads the Huskies with 14.1 PPG, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.

Tyler Harris adds 13.4 PPG and 6.6 rebounds.

While their defense is respectable, the Huskies’ struggles with shooting efficiency, particularly from the free-throw line, remain a glaring weakness.

Washington State Cougars Preview

The Cougars have started their season strong, with a 9-2 record and a 1-0 mark on the road. They recently defeated Missouri State 91-78, showing their offensive prowess.

Offensive and Defensive Stats:

Points per Game (PPG): 82.1 (57th nationally)

Points Allowed per Game: 73.9 (257th nationally)

Field Goal Percentage: 48.8% (45th)

Three-Point Shooting: 35.1% (129th)

Free Throw Percentage: 69.5% (238th)

Key Player Contributions:

Nate Calmese averages 15.5 PPG and 4.5 assists.

LeJuan Watts contributes 13 PPG and a team-high 7.5 rebounds.

The Cougars’ balanced offensive attack and ability to shoot efficiently from the field give them an edge, though their defense leaves room for improvement.

Key Matchup Insights

Why the Washington Huskies Could Win

• Home Court Advantage: The Huskies thrive at Alaska Airlines Arena, with an 8-game home winning streak against non-conference opponents.

• First-Half Dominance: Washington has led at halftime in its last four non-conference home games.

Why the Washington State Cougars Could Win

• Rest Disadvantage Mastery: The Cougars have won their last eight games despite rest disadvantages.

• First-Half Efficiency: Washington State has led at halftime in its last 12 games against non-AP-ranked teams.

Betting Trends and Predictions

Total Points Trends:

• Each of Washington State’s last six night games at Alaska Airlines Arena has produced totals of 152+ points.

• Similarly, the last six night games between these teams at this venue have also hit the 152+ mark.

Matchup Trends:

• Washington: Struggles with free throws, ranking 355th nationally.

• Washington State: Excels in blocks per game, ranking 8th among Division 1 teams.

Expert Prediction:

Washington is favored by -3.5 points at home, but the Cougars’ superior offense (10.6 points more per game) and efficiency make them a strong road pick. With Washington’s shooting inconsistencies and Washington State’s ability to score at will, the value lies in backing the Cougars.

Bet Recommendation: Take Washington State Cougars (+3.5).

Player Prop Insights

To maximize your betting strategy, consider these player props:

Great Osobor Total Points Over/Under: With an average of 14.1 PPG, expect him to clear the over if the Huskies rely heavily on his scoring.

Nate Calmese Assists Over/Under: Calmese’s 4.5 APG makes him a solid pick for over in assists, especially against Washington’s defense.

Insights

What should I consider before betting on this game?

Look at each team’s recent form and player performances. Washington’s shooting woes and Washington State’s offensive firepower are crucial factors.

How does Washington State’s road form compare?

Although they’ve only played one road game this season, the Cougars showed poise in their 91-78 win, demonstrating their ability to perform away from home.

Are the Huskies’ defensive stats misleading?

Despite ranking 118th in points allowed, Washington’s defensive lapses in key moments, coupled with poor shooting, make them vulnerable.

By leveraging these insights and trends, you can approach the Washington State Cougars vs. Washington Huskies game with confidence. Don’t miss the chance to cash in on this exciting matchup!