Oregon State at Utah prediction: One huge advantage will swing Pac-12 matchup

It’s another jam-packed college hoops slate Thursday and BJ Cunningham is here to give you two best bets (video above).

Cunningham is westward-bound for both picks, beginning with a PAC-12 conference matchup between the Utah Utes and Oregon State Beavers.

Even though the Utes are in the midst of an extensive losing streak, Cunningham believes this is the time to buy low on Craig Smith’s squad, especially with center Branden Carlson back in the lineup.

“Utah will have one HUGE advantage offensively,” Cunningham said. “They’re in the top 15 percent of college basketball in pick-and-roll offense while Oregon State is in the bottom 10 percent in pick-and-roll defense.”

With Utah being able to score “at will,” Cunningham expects the Utes to get the win and cover a six-and-a-half point spread.

The next matchup Cunningham is targeting is UC San Diego vs. Cal State Northridge.

Cunningham believes UC San Diego is undervalued in this matchup away from home, especially considering it is one of the most efficient offenses in the country (seventh highest rim and three-point rate per shot quality).

Given how poorly Cal State Northridge ranks out in key defensive metrics – the Matadors are outside the top-300 in two-point field-goal percentage allowed and field-goal percentage allowed at the rim – Cunningham likes the Tritons -4 and would play it all the way up to -6.