Utah State vs Tulane: Game Preview

Utah State Aggies Face Tulane Green Wave in Charleston Classic

The college basketball world turns its attention to the Charleston Classic as the Utah State Aggies (6-0) take on the Tulane Green Wave (3-2) in a non-conference showdown. Scheduled for Friday, November 21st, at 1:00 PM EST from TD Arena in Charleston, South Carolina, this matchup promises intriguing tactical battles between two teams with contrasting strengths and weaknesses.

Utah State Aggies: Rebounding Powerhouse

Utah State enters the game as a significant favorite, boasting an unblemished 6-0 record in a non-conference slate that has been challenging for the Mountain West conference. The Aggies' identity is built around two key pillars: elite guard play and dominant rebounding.

While Mason Falslev remains the veteran leader, his production has dipped slightly from last season. However, MJ Collins Jr. has stepped up as the team's top scorer, averaging 16 points per game. The backcourt is complemented by sharpshooter Kolby King, who is connecting on 44% of his three-point attempts despite the team's overall shooting struggles. Utah State is shooting just 25% from beyond the arc this season, a significant drop from their 34.9% clip last year.

The true strength lies in the paint, where Garry Clark has been transformative. Ranking 15th nationally in offensive rebounding rate, Clark is a walking double-double threat who gives the Aggies a significant edge on the glass. Utah State secures offensive rebounds at a 38% clip, a statistic that will be tested against Tulane's undersized frontcourt.

Tulane Green Wave: Brumbaugh and Ball Control

Tulane comes into this matchup looking to rebound from a disappointing 83-65 loss to New Orleans. The Green Wave were plagued by catastrophic shooting, making only 3 of 27 three-point attempts, while their opponents connected on 54% from deep. However, this anomaly is unlikely to repeat itself.

The heart and soul of Tulane is star guard Rowan Brumbaugh, who leads the team with 20 points per game. Brumbaugh is not only an efficient shooter (40% from three) but also a lethal free-throw shooter, converting 36 of 39 attempts. His ability to get to the line could be crucial, especially against Utah State, which fouls at a high rate. The Green Wave prefer a slower tempo (ranked 300th nationally in adjusted tempo), allowing Brumbaugh to dominate possessions.

Despite their offensive struggles, Tulane excels in ball security, turning the ball over just 13% of the time. Their biggest concern is rebounding, where they rank 238th nationally in defensive rebounding rate. With no true starting power forward, Tulane relies on wings Curtis Williams Jr. and Scotty Middleton to battle in the paint against Utah State's imposing frontcourt.

Betting Preview and Prediction

The oddsmakers have made Utah State a heavy favorite, laying -11 points with a moneyline of -750. The total is set at 152.5 points. Despite the Aggies' dominance, the value might lie with Tulane covering the spread.

Utah State will look to speed up the game and force turnovers, a strategy that has been successful in the past. However, Tulane's exceptional ball control makes this difficult. The Green Wave's slow tempo and Brumbaugh's ability to draw fouls create a formula that can keep them within striking distance.

While Utah State's rebounding advantage is significant, their shooting woes could negate that edge. Tulane's porous perimeter defense (ranked 350th nationally) might just be the perfect tonic to help the Aggies' shooters find their rhythm. Nevertheless, Tulane's ability to control the pace and get to the free-throw line gives them a puncher's chance to keep this game close.

How to Watch

Tip-off for the Utah State vs. Tulane matchup is set for 1:00 PM EST on Friday, November 21st. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2, allowing college basketball fans across the country to tune in.

As the Green Wave look to make a statement against a ranked opponent, and the Aggies aim to extend their perfect start, this Charleston Classic clash promises to be a compelling contest of contrasting styles.