For a team that has alternated wins and losses in each of its last five, while going 1-3-1 against the spread, the San Diego State Aztecs are sure getting a lot of respect Saturday when they host the Utah State Aggies.
The 17th-ranked Aggies lead the Mountain West with a 7-1 record, with three wins in a row and a whopping 18 wins in the last 19, yet find themselves as 5.5-point underdogs in the college basketball odds.
Perhaps that’s because last year’s NCAA Tournament finalist has ripped off four straight wins over Utah State and has won 16 straight in the friendly confines of Viejas Arena.
Don’t miss out on a wager in this Mountain West battle. Read below for our Utah State vs San Diego State free college basketball picks for February 3.
Utah State vs San Diego State best odds
Utah State vs San Diego State picks and predictions
The unranked Aztecs sit inside KenPom’s Top 25, four spots higher than the Aggies, in part due to a defense that ranks 20th.
San Diego State is third in Mountain West scoring defense, allowing just 67.3 points per game, while holding teams to a conference-best 40.7% shooting from the field and a sparkling 30% allowed from 3-point range, which sits 31st in the NCAA.
That defense was grilled well last time out, though, as SDSU was topped 79-71 by the Colorado State Rams.
The Aztecs got beat around the margins, with 15 turnovers turning into 13 points, getting outscored 18-12 in fast-break points, and 30-22 in fast-break scoring.
Utah State has just two losses on the calendar all year, and it’s coming off an 82-61 thumping of San Jose State.
That’s six straight games now the Aggies have scored 82 points or better, which is right at their 82.5 scoring average for the season, which ranks second in the conference and 24th in the nation.
They’re a Top-6 unit in field goal shooting, hitting at a 50.3% clip, tied for first in Mountain West with Colorado State, and they enjoy a plus-14 point differential.
San Diego State has made it hard for that offense to sing. In the last four games, it’s limited Utah State to 61 points or less in three contests, and a 62.3 average.
The Aggies are no defensive slouches either, holding opponents to a 68.4 scoring average, which sits inside the Top 100. They hold teams to a respectable 42.6% shooting from the field, and an incredible 27.5% clip from distance, which ranks sixth in college hoops.
This has the makings of a grudge match, with offenses bogged down by top-level defensive efforts.
The Under has hit in six of the last 10, but no game even matched the current line of 147.5 points. Using that figure as the line, the Under has actually hit eight times in the last 10.
My best bet: Under 147.5 points (-115 at DraftKings)
Utah State vs San Diego State same-game parlay
Under 147.5
Utah State team total Under 70.5
I wouldn’t normally recommend betting one of college basketball’s top-scoring teams to put up less than 70.5 points, but it’s fair to say San Diego State has been effective at neutralizing Utah State’s attack.
In the last 10 meetings, the Aggies have fallen the Under 70.5 total line eight times, with six of those falling below the 60-point plateau.
SDSU has allowed just four teams to top 70 points in the last 10.
Currently, the Aztecs rank 223rd in KenPom’s adjusted tempo metric, while Utah State plays at a quicker pace, ranking 89th in adjusted tempo.
If this matchup goes according to script, controlling the tempo will be the Aztecs’ way of limiting both possessions and shots.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best college basketball bonuses
New Users
33% BOOST for one CBB bet
e.g. -110 BOOSTS to +121! Claim Now
All Users
50% BOOST for any Duke-UNC bet on 2/3
e.g. -110 BOOSTS to +135! Claim Now
All Users
Instant payout for CBB moneylines
If your team goes up by 18! Claim Now
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Utah State vs San Diego State spread and Over/Under analysis
Since a few books opened this one at 4.5 points, the spread has stayed consistently at five or higher, with most books using the 5.5-point line.
Utah State is a crisp 11-7-1 against the spread this season, and has covered every game during this current three-game win streak. The Aztecs are just 7-11-1 ATS on the year.
The total has moved a couple of points up since the initial 145.5 line.
Both teams have winning Over records, as SDSU has gone 11-8-0, while USU checks in with an impressive 12-6-1 mark.
Utah State vs San Diego State betting trend to know
Utah State has hit the moneyline in 23 of its last 30 games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Utah State vs. San Diego State.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Utah State vs San Diego State game info
| Location: | Viejas Arena, San Diego, CA |
| Date: | Saturday, February 3, 2024 |
| Tip-off: | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FOX |
Utah State vs San Diego State key injuries
Stay updated with the latest picks, odds, and news! Tap the 
to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
