Montana State (13-17) vs Idaho (13-17)
March 3, 2025 at 09:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Montana State -5.5 — Over/Under: 147.5
The Idaho Vandals and Montana State Bobcats meet on Monday in college basketball action at Worthington Arena. Here’s an Idaho vs Montana State Prediction. This article will include an Idaho vs Montana State Pick.
Idaho Vandals Betting Preview
The Idaho Vandals (13-17, 10-15-3 ATS) are not enjoying their best basketball late in the season, but at least they won the most recent game against Weber State in overtime. Prior to that, Idaho lost five of seven games, managing to beat Sacramento State and Northern Arizona. Idaho is 5th in the Big Sky Standings with the same record as Montana State and six games behind the leaders Northern Colorado and Montana.
Idaho is averaging 74.5 PPG (174th) and is allowing 75.7 PPG (293rd). The Vandals are getting 33.5 RPG (323rd) and dish out 12.6 APG (302nd). Kristian Gonzalez is the team’s top scorer with 11.4 PPG and 2.6 RPG. Kolton Mitchell adds 11.3 PPG, a team-high 3.5 APG, and a team-high 1.5 SPG, while Tyler Mrus contributes 10.5 PPG and 3.3 RPG.
Montana State Bobcats Betting Preview
The Montana State Bobcats (13-17, 11-18 ATS) are dealing with inconsistency, losing five of the last ten games, but did manage to be victorious in three of the previous five. Montana State beat Weber State, Idaho State, and Sacramento State. In the latest win over Sacramento State, the Bobcats scored 87 points, their second-highest-scoring game of the year. Montana State is 6th in the Big Sky Standings, so this game will be the battle for the 5th position before the conference tourney tips off.
Montana State averages 71.8 PPG (263rd) and allows 70.2 PPG (130th). The Bobcats are 396th in rebounds (31.5) and 257th in assists (13.1). Brandon Walker leads the team with 14.7 PPG and a team-high 4.9 RPG. Max Agbonkpolo follows him with 10.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 1.0 SPG, while Patrick McMahon has 9.6 PPG and 3.4 RPG.
Why Idaho will beat Montana State
- Idaho has won three of its last four night games against Montana State.
Why Montana State will beat Idaho
- Montana State has won 11 of its last 12 night games at Worthington Arena following a road win.
- Idaho has lost each of its last four games after coming off overtime.
- Idaho has lost the first half in three of its last four night games against the Big Sky Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Ten of Montana State’s last 11 games have produced a total of 147 or fewer points.
- Each of Idaho’s last five road games has produced a total of 148+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Montana State ranks 21st among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (2.4).
- Montana State ranks 29th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (9.9).
- Idaho ranks 47th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (69.2%).
Idaho vs Montana State Prediction
Even though Montana State won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, Idaho was better in three of the last four meetings. Idaho won 69-64 earlier this season, and although that one went to Under, I expect to see more points on Monday. Idaho allowed 75+ points in seven of the past eight games, and I am not convinced by the Vandals’ defensive strength. Montana State is better in that aspect, but the visitors should be good for 70+ points. After all, Idaho failed to score at least 70 points in just two of the last eight games. Montana State has hit the Game Total Over in 19 of its last 34 games, while Idaho has hit the Game Total Over in 19 of its last 30 games. Go with Over.