Boise State vs. Saint Louis Odds
| Boise State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -110 | 142.5 -106o / -114u | +198 |
| Saint Louis Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -110 | 142.5 -106o / -114u | -245 |
The Broncos are eastbound and down for their first true road game of the season on Saturday as they'll take on the Saint Louis Billikens.
Last season, the Billikens and Broncos put on a classic in Boise, as five Broncos scored in double digits, but Saint Louis came away with the win in overtime.
Boise is off to a hot start this season (7-2) and is currently riding a six-game win streak. It has already notched three wins against Power Five opponents, which is the most ever for the Broncos in a single season.
Saint Louis, meanwhile, is coming off its second 20+ point loss of the season on the road against Iona and is looking to get back on track at home, where it's been considerably better.
The Billikens have battled some injury issues early in the year, but are expected to be fully healthy as they begin their three-game homestand on Saturday.
Boise State was 9-3 ATS on the road last season, so can the Broncos pick up where they left off and be road warriors once again this season?
Boise State Broncos
After losing three starters in the offseason, many expected the Broncos to take a step backwards.
The only question was: how big would that step be? At 7-2 on the season so far, last year's Mountain West champs seem to have somehow kept the momentum rolling.
The Broncos' defense is one of the top 25 in the nation and is only getting better, having held four of their last six opponents to 60 points or less.
They're getting better with each game on the offensive end, as well. Boise State hit just 22% from 3-point range in its first three games of the year. Over their last five games, the Broncos are hitting 39.2% from deep and rank in the 92nd percentile nationally.
Saint Louis has been one of the best rebounding teams in the nation so far this year, but the Broncos' height advantage could play a major role in evening the playing field on the glass.
Boise State has limited opposing teams to just 33 rebounds per game so far this year.
Saint Louis Billikens
The Billikens looked awful against Iona — they couldn't get stops on defense and allowed the Gaels to rack up 84 points.
Saint Louis also struggled with turnovers, coughing up 17 to Iona, while it shot just 30.9% from the floor and 26.3% from beyond the arc.
Saint Louis did out-rebounded the Gaels, but I don't know if that really builds much confidence, as it still lost by 20 even while controlling the glass.
The Billikens read as being solid on paper — ranking 118th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency — but I think this Boise State team could really take advantage of them in areas they've lacked.
Saint Louis has been a non-factor when it comes to forcing turnovers. Opponents turn the ball over just 10.4 times per game on average against the Billikens.
And while they've been among the best in the nation when it comes to defending mid-range shots and corner 3s, Boise State's offense reaching new heights in its last five games has come as a result of its ability at the rim and above the break.
Boise State is hitting 69.9% at the rim and 38.1% from above the break. Saint Louis has allowed teams to hit 62.9% and 31.3%, respectfully.
Boise State vs. Saint Louis Betting Pick
The Billikens are 47-12 at home against non-conference opponents under Travis Ford and are a perfect 6-0 so far this season — but just 3-3 ATS.
Saint Louis has a ton of talent and had a lot of hype coming into this season. The Billikens have the nation's leader in assists in Yuri Collins and the best rebounder in the A-10 in Francis Okoro, but they've been too vulnerable on defense.
Boise State's offensive improvements over the last five games have been insane, and it hasn't done it against inferior competition. The Broncos' last five games include outings against both Texas A&M and Colorado.
Their defense is one of the best in the country and can contain Saint Louis enough to make this a close game.
Boise State isn't getting enough respect for just how good this team is. The Broncos had two bad losses early in the season, but since then, this team has been on a tear, and has done so against stiff competition.
The Broncos keep it close in Saint Louis, so back Boise at +4 or better.
Pick: Boise State +4 or Better |
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