The NIT put together a quality field of teams from all over the country. Tonight, on ESPN2, Washington State and BYU will play in the quarterfinals of the NIT looking to keep their seasons alive for at least one more game.
This means we are guaranteed to have at least one West Coast team make the NIT semifinal! Plus, here’s a hint. I think the Cougars are going to win tonight!
Here are our college basketball picks and predictions for the quarterfinal matchup between the Washington State Cougars and the BYU Cougars.
Washington State vs BYU odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.
The BYU Cougars opened as a 3.5-point favorite and haven’t moved since. Meanwhile, the total has dropped from 143 to as low as 141.5 at select outlets.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until tip-off and be sure to check out the full college basketball odds before placing your bets.
Washington State vs BYU predictions
Predictions made on 3/23/2022 at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Washington State vs BYU game info
• Location: Marriott Center, Provo, UT
• Date: Wednesday, March 23, 2022
• Tip-off: 9:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN2
Washington State vs BYU betting preview
Injuries
Washington State: No injuries to report.
BYU: No injuries to report.
Find our latest NCAA basketball injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Cougars are 4-1 ATS in their last five games as a favorite. Find more NCAA betting trends for Washington State vs. BYU.
Washington State vs BYU picks and predictions
Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.
Spread analysis
Throughout the season, Washington State has been a bit inconsistent on the offensive end. The Washington State Cougars are only shooting a 48% effective field goal percentage while hitting just 33.8% from deep and 46% from inside the arc.
Washington State loves to shoot the 3-ball and looking at the stats, the Cougars are much better off. Washington State has been limiting turnovers to 16.6% on the season and continues to have success on the offensive glass, earning 33.5% of offensive rebounds.
However, BYU is one of the best defensive rebounding teams in the nation — allowing teams to earn 22.2% offensive rebounds per game — and are holding teams to 30.4% from three and 48.8% from inside the arc. With the way BYU has defended the perimeter, Washington State’s going to have trouble scoring at a solid pace in tonight’s game.
BYU should also have an edge on offense, knocking down 35.1% from deep and 51.7% from inside the arc this season. On the glass, they grab 30.6% of offensive rebounds and should have success crashing the boards with Washington State allowing 29.4% offensive rebounds this season.
Washington State is holding teams to just 31.4% from deep and 46.7% from inside the arc but BYU is more balanced and can do a whole lot more on offense than Washington State.
With BYU at home for the quarterfinals, I’ll lay the small number.
Prediction: BYU -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under analysis
Earlier, I already stated that it’s going to be hard for Washington State to score at a solid pace in this game against BYU. Washington State will limit the turnovers but will have trouble getting second-chance opportunities off misses.
Washington State loves to shoot threes but BYU’s defense has been able to shut that down for most of the season. On top of that, Washington State won’t be able to rebound those misses as effectively.
Meanwhile, Washington State’s defense has been underrated all year. BYU will have more success but overall, Washington State is holding teams to a 46.9% effective field goal percentage while also earning 20.7% turnovers.
Most teams want to rush shots against BYU. I’m not so sure Washington State will end up doing that. Therefore, I’ll grab the Under.
Prediction: Under 141.5 (-110)
Best bet
Again, BYU’s going to have a more effective offense with more shot attempts and better quality looks.
BYU will also have more success on the offensive glass and keep a solid Washington State team off the offensive glass more often than not.
Lastly, BYU defends the 3-point shot very well and if Washington State isn’t draining threes, it’s going to be a total letdown for Washington State tonight.
Ride BYU at home.
Pick: BYU -3.5 (-110)
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