Washington State vs. Nevada College Basketball Picks and Predictions

Washington State Cougars (6-2 SU, 3-4-1 ATS) vs. Nevada Wolf Pack (6-1 SU, 6-1 ATS)

When: Monday, December 2nd, 10:00 PM (ET)

Where: Lawlor Events Center, NV, Reno

TV: MWN

Point Spread: WASHST +11.5/NEVADA -11.5

Total: 148

Money Line: Washington State Cougars +418/-590

Notable Injuries

Cougars

• Cedric Coward (Out) Shoulder
• Rihards Vavers (Questionable) Wrist
• Marcus Wilson (Questionable) Undisclosed

Wolf Pack

• Daniel Foster (Questionable) Undisclosed
• Yuto Yamanouchi-Williams (Questionable) Hip

Recent Form

Washington State Cougars Recent Game/Games

Washington State dropped to 6-2 on the season after a 77-60 loss to SMU on Wednesday. The Cougars were +4.5 point underdogs heading into the game and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 137, which fell short of the O/U line of 160.

Despite leading 31-27 at halftime, Washington State struggled in the 2nd half, scoring just 29 points while allowing 50 to SMU. The Cougars will need to improve their 2nd half-performance moving forward.

Nevada improved to 6-1 on the season with a 90-78 win over Oklahoma State on Sunday. Playing at home, the Wolf Pack were -5.5 point favorites going into the game and covered the spread with the 12-point victory.

Nevada led 40-33 at halftime and put up 50 points in the 2nd half while allowing 45 points. The total points for the game ended at 168, going over the O/U line of 145.

Analysis

Washington State struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 36.8% from the field and 30.3% from three-point range, finishing with 60 points. Their effective field goal percentage was 45.6%, and they hit only 53.3% of their free throws.

Boopie Miller led the team with 16 points and five assists, while Nate Calmese added 15 points and six assists. Samet Yiğitoğlu contributed 12 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, shooting 66.7% from the field.

Washington State’s defense held their opponent to 77 points despite allowing 36% shooting from the field. They gave up 11 two-point baskets on 24 attempts, a 45% success rate.

From beyond the arc, Washington State allowed ten threes on 33 attempts, with their opponent shooting 30%. They also sent them to the free-throw line 15 times, where they made 8, shooting 53%. Washington State gave up eight offensive rebounds.

Nevada’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 90 points while shooting 58.9% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 64.3%, thanks in large part to their 68.4% shooting on two-point attempts.

Kobe Sanders led the way with 27 points, hitting 3 of 5 from beyond the arc and shooting 70% overall. Nick Davidson added 23 points, and the Wolf Pack connected on seven threes as a team, shooting 38.9% from deep.

Nevada’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 78 points on 58% shooting from the field. The Wolf Pack allowed their opponent to hit 26 of 38 shots from two-point range, a 68% clip.

From beyond the arc, Nevada’s opponent shot 38%, making 7 of 18 three-point attempts. The Wolf Pack also sent them to the free-throw line 25 times, where they converted 17 free throws, shooting 68%.

Betting Trends

• In their last three games away from home, the Cougars have a straight-up record of 0-3 while going 0-3 vs. the spread. The team averaged 61 points per game in this stretch.
• The Wolf Pack are 2-1 ATS in their last three home games and 2-1 straight-up.
• As the betting underdog, the Cougars have an ATS mark of just 6-4 in their last ten games. Washington State posted a straight-up mark of 6-4 in these matchups.
• In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Wolf Pack have a strong straight-up record of 2-1. In addition, their ATS record was 2-1 in these scenarios.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

Both Washington State and Nevada come into this one with six wins this season, but Nevada is the heavy favorite heading into Monday night’s matchup. Based on my power rankings, this line actually sits a little low compared to how much better of a team I think Nevada is. Getting the Wolf Pack at -11.5 is actually a good value play for Monday night. I’m taking Nevada to win and cover.