We had a very wild Saturday in college hoops this past weekend with seven of the top ten losing on Saturday, a record or one day. In the end, that probably doesn’t do much to help teams like San Diego State and Wyoming though.
Winning this game will though, as both teams fell short in recent games against top Mountain West teams, Boise State and Colorado State respectively, in their last games. For both of these teams, this is the toughest game left in the regular season and thus their last chance to give their NCAA Tournament resume a bump.
It is also the only time these teams will face each other this season. The Mountain West Conference’s top defense will match up against its top offense. It should be an entertaining clash of styles in Laramie.
San Diego State Aztecs vs. Wyoming Cowboys College Basketball Matchup Info and Betting Odds
Matchup Information
- Game Matchup: San Diego State Aztecs (18-7, 10-4 Mountain West, 4th in the Mountain West) vs. Wyoming Cowboys (23-5, 12-3 Mountain West, 2nd in the Mountain West)
- Venue & Location: Arena Auditorium (Laramie, Wyoming)
- Date: Monday, February 28, 2022
- Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
- TV: CBS Sports Network
Betting Odds
- Spread: San Diego State -1.5 (-110), Wyoming +1.5 (-110)
- Total: OVER 129.5 (-110), UNDER 129.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: San Diego State -130, Wyoming +105
Odds are via BetMGM.
A Game of Offense vs. Defense
San Diego State is not just the best defensive team in the MWC, they lead the nation in defensive efficiency so taking on a team like Wyoming is a true contrast in styles.
The Aztecs are great at forcing teams to use up a lot of time on offense and are good at funneling teams towards Nathan Mensah, the best defensive big man in the Mountain West and one of the best in the country. He is 29th nationally in block rate.
Mensah will have his hands full against the Cowboys because their own big man, Graham Ike, is one of the best offensive players in the conference. Wyoming is fully committed to using him as much as possible.
Ike is second in the nation in usage and first in the nation in drawing fouls. He is truly a load in the paint and with Hunter Maldonado, forms the most productive duo in the conference.
They average just under 40 points per game, and it will be interesting to see if they can do that against a team that is giving up an average of 57 points per game.
San Diego State Aztecs vs. Wyoming Cowboys Basketball Prediction & Picks
Wyoming 68, San Diego State 64 (Wyoming +1.5 & OVER 129.5)
San Diego State beat Wyoming three times last season, twice during the regular season, and a third time in the MWC Tournament. In fact, the last time the Cowboys beat the Aztecs was way back in 2017.
When these teams met during the regular season last year, Wyoming was able to speed up the Aztecs. It was during losing efforts but should still be noted because it does not happen often.
That is what the Cowboys will try and do in this matchup, and I think they will have enough success to get the win and cover as the home underdog.
Wyoming will not score with the same efficiency they have throughout the season, but the combination of Ike and Maldonado will be effective enough.
The key for the Cowboys will be their ability to get to the foul line. With Ike leading the nation they are also tops in the conference at free throw rate.
Also, for all of the Aztecs' stinginess on defense, they are prone to foul and are only eighth in the conference in giving up fouls. With the whistle likely to favor the home side that weakness might be just enough of an edge to get a close win.
In terms of the line, it is actually a little surprising to see the Cowboys underdogs at home in this game. They are a perfect 13-0 at home this season, going 7-4-1 ATS.
They have also been very profitable as an underdog too, going 6-4 SU and 8-2 ATS this season.
