Montana State vs UC Riverside Picks and Prediction – 12/19/2024

The Montana State Bobcats are set to face the UC Riverside Highlanders on December 18, 2024, at the SRC Arena in Riverside, California. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT. This non-conference matchup features two teams looking to build momentum as they approach the heart of their respective seasons. Get in on all the action with our free NCAAB picks.

Montana State (5-6) comes into this game after an 89-63 loss to USC on December 15. Despite the setback, the Bobcats have shown well, winning four of their last six games. Offensively, they are led by senior forward Max Agbonkpolo, who has been a consistent contributor throughout the season with 5.5 rebounds. Brandon Walker holds things down art the other forward position, averaging 14.2 points per game. Defensively, the Bobcats have been effective in limiting opponents' three-point shooting, holding teams to a 27.3% success rate from beyond the arc, which ranks 13th nationally. 

UC Riverside (7-4) enters the matchup on a strong note, having won five of their last six games, including an upset victory over Colorado State and conference wins against CSUN and Cal State Fullerton. The Highlanders have looked to Barrington Hargress, who averages an impressive 19.2 points per game. Their defense has been particularly stout, allowing an average of 65 points per game over this successful stretch. 

Considering UC Riverside's recent form and home-court advantage, they may hold a slight edge in this matchup. Montana State is no walkover team, but Riverside has the horses to run them out of the building. The confident play is on the Highlanders to emerge victorious. Prediction: UC Riverside wins 76-68.