Missouri State at Utah

Utah defended no one last year, but new coach Jim Boylen has gotten this group to buy-in on the defensive end. Last year the Utes allowed 50% FG shooting against them, and that number has dropped substantially to 42% this year. In addition, this Utah squad is getting lots of open looks from his new offense, and are shooting an NCAA 4th best 52.6% from the field. Seven of the top eight scorers shoot over 50%. Missouri State has lost their top player and scorer in Ahearn, as well as their top rebounder in Bilyeu. It has translated to a 1-2 road mark, a place where younger teams tend to take time to adjust. Missouri State has not played as well as the odds-makers tend to believe this team can, as evidenced by a 1-4 ATS mark. Utah has the size, and firepower, and most importantly, the home-court here to get the comfortable win.