Washington State vs Portland Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/28/24

In this article we will formulate a Washington State vs Portland prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, December 28th at the Chiles Center in Portland, Oregon. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Washington State Cougars Betting Preview

The Washington State Cougars are 10-3 (0-0) this year after they defeated Northern Iowa by a score of 76-68 in their last game. Washington State led 49-26 at halftime and they were able to get the win, despite only scoring 27 points in the second half. The Cougars shot 59.3% from the field, 33.3% on three pointers, and 50% on free throws in the game. Nate Calmese led Washington State with 16 points and six assists in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Cougars lost to Washington by a score of 89-73, but did win the three games before that. Washington State has scored 80.9 points per game and they have allowed 74.6 points against per game, while also averaging 37.2 rebounds and 16.9 assists per game this season. Nate Calmese is averaging 16.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, while Washington State is shooting 49.1% from the field, 69.7% on free throws, and 34.7% on three pointers this year. 

Portland Pilots Betting Preview

The Portland Pilots are 5-8 (0-0) this season after they defeated Lafayette by a score of 74-64 in their last game. Portland led 31-22 at halftime and scored 43 points in the second half to secure the win. The Pilots shot 48.1% from the field, 47.4% on three pointers, and 88.2% on free throws in the game. Chris Austin led Portland with 20 points and three assists in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Pilots lost to Cal State Bakersfield by a score of 81-64, but did beat a non D-1 team before that. Portland has scored 72.1 points per game and they have allowed 77.5 points against per game, while also averaging 36 rebounds and 15.1 assists per game this season. Austin Rapp is averaging 13.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, while Portland is shooting 43.9% from the field, 75.4% on free throws, and 34.8% on three pointers this year. 

Why Washington State will beat Portland

• Washington State has won each of its last seven day games.
• Portland has lost 26 of its last 32 day games against the West Coast Conference.
• Washington State has won the first half in 13 of its last 14 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Washington State vs Portland Prediction 

Washington State comes into this matchup already sitting at 10 wins on the season, which includes a nice win over Boise State. The Cougars are scoring over 80 points per game and they are shooting 49.1% from the field, but the defense has allowed quite a few points. Portland only has three D-1 victories so far this season and they are even worse on defense than Washington State is. I know this is a conference game on the road, but I like Washington State to pull away in the second half for the cover. 

David Racey's Pick: Washington State -13.5