San Diego State vs Colorado State Basketball Prediction & Picks: Will the Aztecs roll against the Rams?

Eddie Griffin

After being upset by New Mexico at home last Saturday, San Diego State will look to bounce back tonight as the Aztecs (13-4, 4-1 Mountain West) visit Colorado State (10-9, 2-4 Mountain West).

This matchup will be the final game to tip off on tonight’s college basketball schedule, as it is set for a 10:30 pm ET (8:30 pm local time) tip on FS1.

The Aztecs were the last remaining unbeaten team in Mountain West play, but that came to an end with a 76-67 loss to the Lobos. That loss knocked SDSU out of the national rankings and out of sole possession of first place in the conference.

With a win tonight, they will tie Boise State (15-4, 5-1 Mountain West) atop the conference standings, with no one else having fewer than two losses.

Will the Rams be able to mount a challenge at home? Read on for our San Diego State vs Colorado State basketball prediction, as well as our picks for tonight’s matchup in Fort Collins.

San Diego State vs Colorado State Odds

Odds are via FanDuel as of Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 6:30 pm ET. This article may also include odds from our other recommended legal sports betting sites.

Spread

  • San Diego State -4.5 (-110)
  • Colorado State +4.5 (-110)

Over/Under

  • Over 140.5 (-110)
  • Under 140.5 (-110)

Moneyline

  • San Diego State -205
  • Colorado State +168

Will San Diego State Remain Perfect on the Road?

The loss to New Mexico ended a six-game win streak for the Aztecs, and it was their first home loss since January 22 of last year, when they lost to Boise State in one of last season’s ugliest games.

The Aztecs put themselves in peril by falling behind by 10 at halftime, but it was all around a pretty subpar 40 minutes compared to their recent performances.

SDSU has made major strides offensively this season, but they shot poorly against the Lobos, shooting just 42.4% (25 of 59) overall, 25% (6 of 24) from three, and 52.4% (11 of 21) from the free-throw line.

It was the first time that the Aztecs had failed to score 70 points in conference play this season and just the fourth time in 17 games overall this season, which shows just how far they have come from last season to this season.

The Rams have won two of their last three games after starting Mountain West play 0-3, but they have given up 75+ points in all but one of their Mountain West games and remain one of the conference’s worst defensive teams.

Defensive Statistics and Metrics for Colorado State

  • Points Allowed Per Game: 71.1 (10th in the Mountain West, 237th nationally)
  • FG%: 44.2% (10th in the Mountain West, 244th nationally)
  • 3PT%: 37.4% (last in the Mountain West, 343rd nationally)
  • Defensive Efficiency (KenPom): 217th

On the flip side, the Rams rank as one of the Mountain West’s better teams offensively.

Offensive Statistics and Metrics for Colorado State

  • Points Per Game: 75.5 (4th in the Mountain West)
  • FG%: 49.5% (1st in the Mountain West, 12th nationally)
  • 3PT%: 37.6% (3rd in the Mountain West, 43rd nationally)

San Diego State vs Colorado State Prediction and Picks

SDSU vs Colorado State Prediction: San Diego State to win

SDSU vs Colorado State Picks: San Diego State/Colorado State over (Best Value: over 140.5 @ FanDuel) & San Diego State team total over 72.5 (Best Value: FanDuel)

Saturday’s showing against New Mexico was pretty disappointing for the Aztecs, but I expect them to bounce back tonight in Fort Collins.

Look for Matt Bradley to shoot well tonight against the Rams after two subpar shooting performances in his last two games. He was 5 of 14 against Nevada, while he was 5 of 16 against New Mexico.

It is rare to see Bradley shoot under 40% for too many games in a row, so I’m optimistic that he will find his shot tonight against the Rams.

At FanDuel, his point total for tonight is 14.5, which makes for a very reachable over when the 14 points he scored against New Mexico were his lowest output of conference play.

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Eddie Griffin

Eddie Griffin has been writing about and betting on sports for over a decade. He joined the ranks of Betting News as a content manager. For more of his thoughts on sports and sports betting, you can follow him on Twitter.

Eddie Griffin has been writing about and betting on sports for over a decade. He joined the ranks of Betting News as a content manager. For more of his thoughts on sports and sports betting, you can follow him on Twitter.