Weber State vs. Southern Utah Odds
| Weber State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 154.5 -110o / -110u | +120 |
| Southern Utah Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 154.5 -110o / -110u | -135 |
The Weber State Wildcats and Southern Utah Thunderbirds will square off on Monday in a Big Sky showdown at the Centrum Arena. When these two teams faced off in January 2021, it was Southern Utah that won 77-72.
These are two teams that have played well to start the season, and this game could have a big impact on who ends up winning the Big Sky conference title.
Weber State comes into this game with a 13-5 record overall and has gone 9-7 against the spread. The Wildcats have also won three games in a row, and in the last game against Idaho State the offense put up 95 points.
On the other side of this matchup the Southern Utah Thunderbirds come into the game with an 11-5 record overall and have gone 4-10 against the spread. Southern Utah has won two games in a row including the last game against Idaho State where it put up 86 points.
Historically in the series Weber State leads the thunderbirds 34-12. Can it continue its streak of dominance over the Thunderbirds?
Weber State Wildcats
Weber State is averaging 77.1 points per game. Koby McEwen has been the top player for the Wildcats, averaging 17.2 points while shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from behind the three-point line.
Dylan Jones is leading Weber State in rebounds per game with 10.1 on the season. Seikou Sisoho Jawara is leading Weber State in minutes per game at 32.6 on average with 2.8 assists per game. The Wildcats also play at one of the fastest paces in the Big Sky, currently ranked 27th nationally in adjusted tempo per Kenpom. The Wildcats are 6-1 in Big Sky play. Weber State is also 12-4 in games decided by at least 10 points.
On defense the Wildcats are giving up just 68.7 points per game. They have made their biggest impact on defense by forcing turnovers. Weber State ranks 55th nationally in turnover percentage, which may be difficult to maintain against a Thunderbirds team that only turns the ball over on 17.3% of plays.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Southern Utah is averaging 79.4 points per game, but its defense is giving up 72.9 points per contest. John Knight III has been the leader for this Southern Utah squad, averaging 15.1 points while shooting 56.3 percent from the field. He also boast a field goal percentage of 56.3 percent and a free-throw percentage on the season of 65.6percent.
Maizen Fausett is leading the team in rebounds per game at 8.9, with 5.4 on average coming on defense. Southern Utah leads the Big Sky in rebounding, averaging 37.3 boards.
The Thunderbirds play at a slightly slower pace than the Wildcats but should be able to keep up. My biggest concern for the Thunderbirds will be their defense. Southern Utah is allowing teams to shoot 50.3 percent on two-point shots, and if it allows the Wildcats to post numbers in line with that, it could get out of hand quickly.
Weber State vs. Southern Utah Betting Pick
Southern Utah is 0-6 against the spread in its last six games following a straight-up win. And unfortunately for the Thunderbirds I think that trend continues Monday night.
The Thunderbirds just don't have the defense to stop the Wildcats. Even at home I don't think it will be much of a factor. Weber State has also been a much better free-throw shooting team, and I believe that can come into play here as both teams are drawing 18+ fouls per contest.
I'm backing Weber State at +1.5 and would take it as high as a pick em.
