Sacramento State vs. Weber State prediction and odds for Big Sky quarterfinals

A general shot of the game ball. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports
A general shot of the game ball. Mandatory Credit: William Howard-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the Big Sky conference there was a considerable drop off from the top teams to the rest of the league, or so it seemed. Then the No. 1 seed, Eastern Washington fell to No. 9 NAU to open the conference tournament and now it’s wide open.

A team like the No. 3 seed, Weber State Wildcats could pounce on the opportunity (pun intended).

Though before they can start thinking about punching their ticket and shining their shoes for the big dance, they need to win their quarterfinal matchup against the sixth seeded Sacramento State Hornets.

This is the first round of the Big Sky tournament, so neither team has played since the end of the regular season.

Let’s take a look at the odds for Sacramento State and Weber State in the Big Sky quarterfinals.

Sacramento State vs. Weber State odds, spread and total

Sacramento State vs. Weber State prediction and pick

The last time these teams played was back on Feb. 16 when Weber State won, 52-49 on the road in Sacramento. Before that, Weber State won at home on Jan. 21, 50-48. These games are barely getting over 100 total points.

Well, that’s because these teams are 293rd and 318th in points per game, and does it really matter which is which. At that point, neither of these teams can score reliably, and they both want to play at a slow pace. Weber State is 296th in possessions per game and Sacramento State is 338th.

There is some difference in the defensive aptitude of these units. The Wildcats aren’t a lockdown team on that end, but 173rd in defensive efficiency is a lot better than 274th where Sacramento State ranks.

Weber State has gotten sped up lately and won their most recent game, 90-89 over NAU. I think they’ll get back to playing slow and be happy to sink down into a rock fight with Sacramento State like we’ve seen twice this year.

The biggest advantage that Weber State has and the reason I’m picking the Wildcats is that they’re 30th in the country in free throw percentage at 76.4% while the Hornets shoot 69.6% which is 261st. In a close game that matters a lot, so give me Weber State.

Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change