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Montana State vs. Montana Prediction and Odds (Grizzlies in Great Shape to Upset Bobcats)

By Ben Heisler

Josh Bannan and the Montana Grizzlies are a 1-point underdog at home to in-state rival Montana State Sunday afternoon.
Josh Bannan and the Montana Grizzlies are a 1-point underdog at home to in-state rival Montana State Sunday afternoon. / Tommy Martino/University of Montana/GettyImages
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Act II of the Cat-Griz rivalry returns to Missoula this afternoon when the Bobcats look to sweep the Grizzlies in Big Sky play at 5 p.m. EST.

Back on Jan. 9, the Bobcats took care of business in Bozeman as Amin Adamu dropped 19 points to lead Montana State to a 66-59 victory; covering the 2.5-point spread.

The Bobcats lead the Big Sky Conference by a game and a half over Southern Utah. The Grizzlies are 3.5 games out of first, but could still make a serious dent in the standings with a win today.

Here are the latest odds over at WynnBET Sportsbook.

Montana State vs. Montana Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Montana State -1 (-102)
  • Montana +1 (-102)

Moneyline:

  • Montana State -110
  • Montana +100

Total:

  • 135 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

Montana State vs. Montana Prediction and Pick

Back on Jan. 9, Montana State effectively shut down Montana's offense in the second half after holding onto a 36-33 lead at halftime. The 'Cats limited the Grizzlies to just 26 second half points, including a 12-2 run that took Montana out of striking distance early on.

However, one key area that bodes well for Montana was how it doubled up Montana State in offensive rebounds, but it just didn't take advantage of the extra possessions, shooting under 45% from field goal range.

Now that the rivalry returns to Missoula, Montana should be able to capitalize on the glass and use its home court to help in another key area: free-throw shooting.

The Grizzlies are exceptional at the charity stripe; ranking sixth in all of college basketball at just under 80% (79.9). Montana State also gives up a ton of free throw attempts, ranking 322nd in FTA/FGA (free throw attempts / field goal attempts).

Montana holds a top 18 3-point percentage in college basketball, but it has struggled to find consistency in its last three games, shooting 36.8, 37 and 33.3%.

If Montana gets to the line, as well as keeps the Bobcats under control from downtown, it will win this game and pull off the slight upset. With reduced odds at WynnBET, I'll take them at -102 while getting a point.

LEAN: Montana +1 (-102)

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