Southern Utah vs. Fresno State Prediction and Odds (Fresno Set to Roll in High Scoring Affair)
By Reed Wallach
Fresno State has arguably the most talented player in The Basketball Classic with big man Orlando Robinson, and the team is pushing closer towards winning a championship with him on the roster.
Mountain West stalwart Fresno State welcomes high octane offense Southern Utah to town for the semifinals of The Basketball Classic.
Let's check out the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook for this west coast showdown:
Southern Utah vs. Fresno State Odds, Spread and Total
Spread:
- Southern Utah: +7 (-110)
- Fresno State: -7 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Southern Utah: +260
- Fresno State: -320
Total: 136.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Southern Utah vs. Fresno State Prediction and Pick
Fresno State is at home and should have little issue scoring on Southern Utah's defense that will have zero answer for Robinson inside.
The seven footer has a size advantage on anyone on the floor and the Bulldogs as a whole shoot just outside the top 100 on two-point attempts. While that may appear just average, the Thunderbirds are bottom 100 in two-point defense and generate turnovers at the 250th lowest rate in the country. Fresno State's methodical offense should work with ease against SUU's defense.
On the other side, Southern Utah is going to try and outpace the Fresno State defense. The team is top 50 in effective field goal percentage and thrive at getting inside and finishing at the cup, but that's going to be tough to do against the strong half court defense of Fresno.
The Bulldogs post the third longest average defensive possession length, forcing offenses out along the perimeter and shutting off the paint with Robinson inside. SUU has the 34th highest two-point percentage in the country, but again, the shots won't be there with Fresno State's top 40 ranking in adjusted defensive efficiency.
Overall, this is setting up for a highly efficient showing from the Bulldogs offense and I'll side with them to win with margin in the semis. I also give a slight lean to the over given the fact that Southern Utah is more than capable of hitting a few perimeter shots (118th in 3-point percentage).
LEAN: Fresno State -7, Over 136.5
You can find all of Reed's bets HERE!