Pick details
| MATCHUP | Montana State Bobcats | BYU Cougars |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 1-1 | 3-0 |
| Spread | +23.5 -108 | -23.5 -112 |
| Moneyline | +2200 | -8000 |
| Total | Over 164.5 (-115) | Under 164.5 (-105) |
| Where | Marriott Center, Provo, UT | |
| When | Thursday, November 12, 2026 | |
| Time | 09:00 PM EST | |
| TV | ESPN+ | |
The Montana State Bobcats and the BYU Cougars will meet Thursday night in a non-conference college basketball matchup at the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah. Let’s take a look at this game from a betting perspective.
Montana State Bobcats vs. BYU Tigers Prediction
In my view, this matchup favors the Montana State Bobcats to stay within the number (23.5). Why? BYU has been one of the nation’s most explosive offensive teams through the opening week of the season, averaging a whopping 100 points per game, which ranks 10th nationally. The Cougars have opened the season with a perfect 3-0 record, amassing victories over Ohio State, Omaha, and Queens University.
Meanwhile, Montana State enters the game with a 1-1 record. The Bobcats suffered a loss to Colorado State before rebounding with an 83-70 victory over Long Beach State in their most recent outing. While Montana State has been respectable offensively, averaging 78.5 points per game, the Bobcats are allowing 77 points per contest, which ranks 200th nationally.
The biggest difference in this matchup is offensive firepower. BYU is averaging more than 20 points per game above Montana State’s average and has already demonstrated an ability to score against quality competition.
The biggest question is whether BYU can create enough separation to cover the number in this one. While the Cougars should control the game and likely win comfortably, Montana State has already faced quality competition and possesses enough offensive firepower to stay within striking distance. I expect BYU to win the game outright, but I believe the number is simply too high. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Montana State Bobcats plus the 23.5 points in this game.
Montana State Wildcats Betting Preview
The Montana State Bobcats enter Thursday night’s contest with a 1-1 overall record, including a 1-0 home record and an 0-1 record on the road. The Bobcats opened the season with a loss to Colorado State before earning a convincing 83-70 victory over Long Beach State in their most recent game.
Through two games this season, the Montana State Bobcats are averaging 78.5 points per game, which ranks 146th nationally, while allowing 77 points per contest, which ranks 200th nationally. What did we learn from the data just presented? Montana State has shown offensive capability, but defensive consistency remains a concern entering this matchup with one of the nation’s highest scoring teams.
Junior guard Robert Wright II has been the focal point of the Montana State offense in 2026 averaging 25 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists on 58.7 percent shooting from the field per game.
BYU Cougars Betting Preview
The BYU Cougars enter Thursday night’s matchup with an undefeated 3-0 overall win-loss record, including a 3-0 mark at home. The Cougars have built an impressive early season resume compiling victories over Ohio State, Omaha, and Queens University. BYU has consistently pushed the pace and overwhelmed opponents with the team’s efficient offensive production.
How have the Cougars performed from a team data perspective this season? In three games this season, the BYU Cougars are averaging a massive 100 points per game which ranks 10th in the country, while allowing 77.3 points per contest. BYU has consistently pushed the pace and overwhelmed opponents with the team’s efficient offensive production. Undoubtedly, BYU possesses one of the most explosive offenses in college basketball and has consistently created scoring opportunities throughout the opening week of the season.
Montana State Bobcats Will Win
• Recent momentum. The Bobcats are coming off an 83-70 victory over Long Beach State.
• Offensive production. Montana State is averaging 78.5 points per game.
• Battle-tested. The Bobcats have already faced Colorado State on the road.
• Scoring ability. Montana State has shown it can push the pace offensively.
Why the BYU Tigers Will Win
• Undefeated start. BYU enters the game with a 3-0 record.
• Elite offense. The Cougars are averaging 100 points per game, ranking 10th nationally.
• Home-court advantage. BYU is 3-0 at the Marriott Center.
• Quality wins. The Cougars have already defeated Ohio State, Omaha, and Queens University.
• Offensive edge. BYU is averaging 21.5 more points per game than Montana State.
