Washington State vs. Washington prediction, odds and key players for Wednesday, December 18th

The in-state rivals meet late Wednesday night as each team looks to find its footing under first-year head coaches.

Washington State has shown promise under first-year head coach David Riley, an Eastern Washington native, with wins over the likes of Nevada and Boise State already this season. The team will travel to Seattle to face Washington, which is struggling a bit more under first-year coach Danny Sprinkle of Utah State.

The Huskies have yet to beat a top-75 team, according to KenPom. Can they score at home against Washington State?

Let’s look at how you can bet on this battle between long-time rivals.

Spread

Money line

In total: 148.5 (above -115/below -105)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Washington state

Dane Erikestrup: The transfer from Eastern Washington was successful in his first season in Pullman, scoring 12 points per game and shooting 50% from the field as a stretch big man who made nearly 38% of his three-point shots.

Washington

Big Osobor: The Montana State transfer is having some growing pains with Washington after having a dominant, lonely season at Utah State, averaging just 14 points per game with a 41% field goal percentage, the worst of his career. A skilled post player, Oobor will look to find his footing against a rival in Washington State.

The Huskies don’t fare well in Sprinkle’s offense, which relies in large part on Oobor’s strong post presence.

The two-time transfer to Washington is playing at the worst level of his career and the team is not performing well at all. The strength of Oobor, who is a capable passer, hasn’t worked for the Huskies, who rank 242nd in near-rim field goal percentage and are in the low 100s on a points per possession basis -Achieve quota.

The Cougars boast a strong interior defense, a top-40 field goal percentage near the rim and an offense that can score both inside and outside, shooting nearly 60% on two-point shots and a three-point percentage almost 100 scored.

The two teams appear to be at different points under first-year head coaches, and I’ll take the points with the underdog Cougars. It’s worth noting that there can be value in rooting for Washington State as an underdog late in the game against a Washington team that ranks bottom 20 in the country in free throw percentage.

PICK: Washington State +2.5

The game odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.

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