Fresno State Bulldogs vs Washington State Cougars Point Spread Picks

Fresno State and Washington state clash here for a neutral-site tilt at the Acrisure Holiday Invitational in Palm Desert, California. Fresno State has a winning record despite playing three of five on the road. They've played well under new coach Vance Walberg, coming from 17 points down at Long Beach State to win, 72-69, as a +3.5 underdog. They also covered in a close game at UC-Santa Barbara as a +12 dog. They have a lot of height with 6-5 guard Amar Augillard (18.4 ppg) leading in scoring, and a frontcourt of 6-7 junior Mykell Robinson (11 ppg, 6 rpg), 6-9 freshman Elijah Price (8 rebounds per game), and 7-1 center Mor Seck (6.5 rebounds per game). Price and Seck are in the top 20 in the nation in offensive rebounds per contest. Fresno State is on a 9-7 ATS run, including 7-3 ATS on the road. They lean on defense as the offense shoots 39.9% from the field and 25.9% from long range. They match up well against a Washington State squad that turns the ball over 15.5 times per game. Washington State has played only one game away from home, losing and failing to cover in a 76-66 final vs. Iowa on a neutral court, shooting 39.4% and turning it over 18 times. Washington State is on a 20-13 run UNDER the total, so back the big dog in a defensive duel. Play Fresno State + the UNDER.

Fresno State has a winning record on the road and a sizzling 6-1 ATS mark flying under the radar of oddsmakers. Fresno's defense is dominant, rated No. 20 in the nation and allowing just 55.9 points per game. Defensively, Fresno State features the nation's No. 11-rated defense on the road, allowing just 53.6 points per game. They were a big dog at Texas and lost just 55-53 as their defense kept them in it all the way, as well as a cover at Southern Illinois as a road dog.  They held Texas to36.7% shooting. The Bulldogs are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games, 6-1 ATS in non-conference games. Washington State, meanwhile, comes in at No. 228 nationally in scoring at home and off a tough 71-69 loss at home against Gonzaga the last game, an emotional dogfight. Play Fresno State!