Utah Runnin' Utes (17-14) vs Stanford Cardinal (13-18)
Game Info: Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 9:00 pm (T-Mobile Arena)
Betting Odds: Utah Runnin' Utes -- Over/Under: 137.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Stanford Cardinal and the Utah Utes will meet in Las Vegas to face off in the T-Mobile Arena in the Pac-12 Tournament. Utah leads the head-to-head series, 21-13, after winning two of the last three meetings.
Stanford closed at 13-18 after losing to Oregon in Eugene. The Cardinal let the Ducks pull away late, and they’d fall by five, 73-68. Stanford scores 69.9 points per game, while allowing 66.2 ppg and shooting 45.2% from the field.
Stanford won two of their last three games, and they’ll look to pick up a few upsets here in Vegas. Four-year starter Spencer Jones leads the team in scoring at 13.7 ppg after a 25-point outing in the win over Oregon State. Sophomore forward Harrison Ingram has reached double figures in each of the last eight games, he leads the team in rebounding (5.9) and assists (3.7), while scoring 10.2 ppg. Junior forward Brandon Angel scored 14 points or more in the final four games, and he’s averaging 9.0 ppg and 4.2 rpg.
Utah finished at 17-14 after losing to Colorado in Boulder. The Utes trailed the Buffs at the break, and they’d end up losing by nine, 69-60. Utah is scoring 70.8 points per game, while allowing 62.4 ppg and shooting 45.3% from the floor.
Utah will look to avoid having their late season struggles carry into the Pac-12 Tournament this week. The Utes play through senior big man Branden Carlson. The 7’ center double-doubled in the last two regular season games, and he leads the Utes in scoring (16.0) and rebounding (7.4). Junior guard Gabe Madsen returned and hit three treys against Colorado, and he’s second on the team at 11.5 ppg. Former Utah State guards Marco Anthony (9.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg) and Rollie Worster (8.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 5.0 apg) have been valuable for the Utes this season as well.
Stanford is 16-15 against the spread this season, with a 18-13 over/under record. Utah is 14-16-1 ATS this year, with a 11-20 o/u record.
Stanford's play down the stretch combined with Utah’s struggles towards the end of regular season puts these two schools in a tough pick ‘em spot. Neither school will be going dancing this season, and with their backs against the wall, I like leaning on Utah’s defense to affect the scoreboard. Take the under for this first round matchup.
Corey’s Pick Uner 136
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
