Early-season tournaments bring out the best of the matchups between NCAA basketball teams because teams seem unwilling to play tough true road games early in the season. But what makes them fun is some strong programs get paired up whose paths usually don’t cross. Utah will make the trek across the country to play in the Shriners Children’s Classic in South Carolina.
Utah vs Wake ForestPicks
Wake Forest +4.5
The Utes’ opponents at the event Thursday night is Wake Forest, a program Utah hasn’t played since 1998. People making Utah vs Wake Forest betting picks will see that the all-time series is tied at two games apiece. The Demon Deacons have split their first two games of the season and are hoping to catch a Utah team that traveled a long way to get to South Carolina on tired legs.
Utah Utes vs. Wake Forest Odds
NCAAB odds show that Utah is a 4.5-point favorite. The Demon Deacons are +164 on the moneyline, while the Utes are -198. The over/under has been set at 151 points.
Matchup Spotlight: Utah Utes vs. Wake Forest
Utah Utes vs Wake Forest
Location of the game: TD Arena Charleston, S.C.
Date & Time: Thursday, November 9. 9:00 p.m.
How to watch: ESPNU
Utah Utes vs. Wake Forest Analysis
Utah Hasn’t Shown Much Yet
The Utes injury report has been clean thus far this season. That has allowed Utah to pick up a pair of wins against smaller competition in UC Riverside and Eastern Washington. The benefit of the early-season schedule has shown anyone making Utah vs Wake Forest betting picks that the Utes have the potential to have a strong lineup.
All five of Utah’s projected starters against Wake Forest are averaging in double figures scoring through two games. Cole Bajema leads the Utahs at 15 points per game. Utah is averaging 91.5 points per game and is shooting 51.6 percent from the field. The Utes’ 3-point shooting should also help in the college basketball standings.
The Utes shoot 40 percent from the perimeter. Utah is holding its opponents to 59.5 points per game so far.
Key Injuries
There is no one on Utah’s injury report.
Betting Trends to Know
- The Utes are 2-0 against the spread.
- Utah’s games have seen the total go 1-1 thus far this season.
Wake Forest Already Took a Tough Loss
The Demon Deacons decided to test itself early with a road game at Georgia. Wake Forest ended up taking an 80-77 loss to the Bulldogs. While Wake Forest Demon Deacons picks shouldn’t be changed by the result of one game, it does appear that Wake Forest may have some defensive issues.
The Demon Deacons also allowed 78 points in their season-opening win against Elon. Sophomore Kevin Miller played a strong game for Wake Forest against Georgia. Miller scored a game-high 22 points and was able to do so by knocking down three 3-pointers and shooting 7-of-7 from the free-throw line.
Other college basketball players who scored in double digits against Georgia for Wake Forest included Andrew Carr, Cameron Hildreth, and Hunter Sallis.
Key Injuries
The Demon Deacons don’t have anyone on the college basketball injury report.
Betting Trends to Know
- Wake Forest is 1-1 against the spread.
- Both of the Demon Deacons’ games have gone over the total.
Utah Utes vs. Wake Forest Betting Picks
There’s not a lot of information yet for anyone to make Utah vs Wake Forest betting picks to go off of yet. While the Demon Deacons’ have shown their offense has the capability to score in bunches, their defensive effort leads some to be desired. Utah has yet to play a tough opponent, but has demonstrated some balance. Despite the Utes being farther away from home, they will grab a win.
This game will go over the total. This is a game on the NCAAB schedule where Utah will enjoy playing a team willing to trade baskets with them. Wake Forest will force the Utes to keep up and Utah will show what offensive muscle it has.
Utah and Wake Forest is one of those NCAA basketball games today that will likely be determined in the second half. The Utes still have a lot to prove about how they handle tough competition. Utah will grab a win, but it will be a struggle and Wake Forest will cover the spread.
Utah Utes vs. Wake Forest Prediction
- NCAAB Pick: Wake Forest +4.5
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