Furman vs San Diego State: Predictions, Odds, Best Bets (3/18/23) – NCAAB

Furman faces San Diego State in the round of 32 in an unlikely matchup. Furman is coming off a thrilling upset against Virginia, while San Diego State held on against College of Charleston. My prediction is that San Diego State wins and covers the 5.5-point spread against Furman in this game because of how good their defense is. San Diego State’s defense is just that good, especially against a good shooting team like Furman. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!

Furman vs. San Diego State Prediction

San Diego State has been great this season and might have one of the best defenses in the entire country this season.

Matt Bradley is the primary scorer for the Aztecs this season and has been great, especially when they needed him most. He leads the team in scoring at 13 points per game. Darrion Trammell and Lamont Butler make up the rest of a very athletic trio of guards that the Aztecs use most of the game. Trammell averages 9.4 PPG and leads the team in assists at 3.3, while Butler averages 8.5 points, and leads the team in steals at 1.5 per game. Jaedon LeDee has been the most productive player for the Aztecs in the front court. He averages 8 PPG down low.

The Aztecs are one of the best defensive teams in the country this season. They’re 28th in points allowed at 63.4 PPG, and then on offense are more methodical where they score 72 PPG.

On the other side, Furman has been incredible this year on offense, and is capable of exploding if need be.

Mike Bothwell is their leader on the team and is their primary scorer. He leads the team in scoring at 18 PPG. Jalen Swanson and JP Pegues are next up in production for the Paladins and have been very key pieces for them. Swanson averages 16 PPG and then leads the team in rebounding at 7 per game, steals at 1.6 per game, and blocks at 1.5 per game. Pegues then average 12 PPG and leads the team in assists per game. Finally, Marcus Foster is the next player to watch for Furman. He averages 11 PPG and hit the dagger three against Virginia in the last game.

Furman can score with any team in the entire country this season. They’re top-10 in points scored at 81.7 per game for the season, and they’re 21st in field goal percentage at 48.1%. They also allow 71 points per game.

This is another contrast in styles game for Furman where they’re facing a very good defensive team in San Diego State. San Diego State has been more consistent this season compared to Virginia too across the board. This game should be close for a little bit to start, but the Aztecs should pull away and cover due to their defense and potentially face Alabama in the Sweet 16.

Furman vs. San Diego State Prediction: San Diego State -5.5

Furman vs. San Diego State Odds

San Diego State is a 5.5-point favorite against Furman and is at -240 on the money line. The over/under is also at 138. San Diego State being favored makes sense because of how they looked against a very similar team to Furman in College of Charleston. The over/under makes sense too because of the difference in styles of fast-paced Furman and slow San Diego State. This spread should stay where it’s at before tip-off too.

Furman vs. San Diego State Key Matchups

Can Marcus Foster matchup with Matt Bradley? Can Lamont Butler matchup with Mike Bothwell?

Matt Bradley vs Marcus Foster

Matt Bradley has been the best player for San Diego State this season. He averages 13 points, 2 assists, and 4 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Marcus Foster most of the game, who averages 11 points, 1 assist, and 5 rebounds per game for the season. He’s in for a tough matchup because of good Bradley is. Matt Bradley is the biggest individual reason why I think San Diego State covers the 5.5-point spread against Furman.

Mike Bothwell vs Lamont Butler

Mike Bothwell is Furman’s best player and he got into foul trouble against Virginia, but he’s the guy that San Diego State will key-in on. He averages 18 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds per game for the season. Bothwell is the biggest key for the Paladins in this game, but I still think San Diego State covers because of their defense and ability to lock people down at the guard spot across the court.