Free Pick | NCAA Basketball | Dec. 22

Nelly’s is 28-16 in college basketball this season while 4-2 so far in bowl selections!

Free Pick Thursday: #864 Utah State -9.5 over Seattle 4:30 PM CT

Utah State’s perfect start ended on Monday falling by three at home against the team down road in Ogden, Weber State.  Utah State led by 18 at one point but collapsed against a hot shooting Wildcats team that hit 50 percent from 3-point range. Utah State lacks any high profile wins but is 7-0 vs. top 200 teams including 3-0 vs. top 100 teams. Utah State also has three wins away from home and this draw in Honolulu should provide a favorable bounce-back opportunity for what is still the nation’s #1 3-point shooting team at nearly 43 percent. Utah State rarely turns the ball over and has attacked the boards on defense with great success. There is terrific size on the roster as the interior defense has been excellent. Seattle does take a great deal of 3-point shots but has hit below 34 percent this season as there is less risk for Utah State to allow a big performance beyond the arc. Seattle has just one top 200 win all season and has not played a top 100 team as this is a big leap in class for the Redhawks. Brandton Chatfield will have his hands full as the only starter above 6’6” for Seattle going against a formidable front court for the Aggies. Seattle has featured a strong 3-point defense this season but has faced few teams with the caliber of outside shooting that Utah State possesses, with the Aggies having four significant options shooting at least 37 percent beyond the arc including the incredible 54 percent clip from Steven Ashworth so far. Seven of nine wins for Utah State have come by double-digits as have both Seattle losses.