Grambling State vs. Montana State Picks and Predictions – Wednesday, Mar. 20

Mar 13, 2024; Boise, ID, USA; Montana State Bobcats guard Robert Ford III (20) reacts during the first half against the Montana Grizzlies at Idaho Central Arena.
Image Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports

We have your Grambling State Tigers vs. Montana State Bobcats prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Grambling State Tigers hit the road to face the Montana State Bobcats.

The Grambling State Tigers (20-14) are set to face off against the Montana State Bobcats (17-17) in a highly anticipated First Four matchup. With a spot in the Round of 64 on the line, both teams are eager to extend their March Madness journey.

Grambling State Tigers vs. Montana State Bobcats Odds Info

Moneyline: Grambling State Tigers +160 (PointsBet) / Montana State Bobcats -175 (Barstool)

Spread: -4.0 – Grambling State Tigers -108 (DraftKings) / Montana State Bobcats -110 (BetRivers)

Total: 134.5 – -105 (FanDuel) / -110 (PointsBet)

Game Info

Date: Wednesday, Mar. 20

Time: 05:40 PM

Location: UD Arena – Dayton, OH

TV: truTV

Grambling State Tigers Betting Trends

  • On the road, Grambling State Tigers are 7 and 9 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Grambling State Tigers are 17 and 14.
  • Against the spread on the road, Grambling State Tigers are 10 and 8.

Montana State Bobcats Betting Trends

  • At home, Montana State Bobcats are 10 and 7 this season.
  • Against the spread this season, Montana State Bobcats are 16 and 15.
  • Against the spread at home, Montana State Bobcats are 6 and 9.

Grambling State Tigers vs. Montana State Bobcats Predictions

The Grambling State Tigers, making their NCAA Tournament debut, come into the game with momentum, having won their conference tournament. They boast a defense that allowed a mere 56 points per game during their conference play, showcasing their ability to stifle opponents’ scoring. The Tigers’ offense, while not as dominant, has been efficient enough to complement their defensive prowess, with Kintavious Dozier leading the charge as a key offensive weapon.

Montana State, on the other hand, has had an up-and-down season but managed to secure their tournament spot by winning the Big Sky Championship. The Bobcats are led by Robert Ford III, the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year and tournament MVP, who will be crucial in both ends of the court. Montana State’s offensive strategy will likely revolve around exploiting Grambling’s defensive gaps and maintaining a balanced attack to keep the Tigers on their heels.

This game will likely hinge on the battle of tempos, with Grambling State looking to control the pace with their defense, and Montana State aiming to push the tempo and score in transition. The key matchup to watch will be between Dozier and Ford, as their individual performances could very well dictate the outcome of the game. With both teams evenly matched in many aspects, this First Four game is shaping up to be a nail-biter.

Grambling State Tigers vs. Montana State Bobcats Pick

The matchup between Grambling State Tigers and Montana State Bobcats presents a compelling case for the under. Grambling State’s defense has been their hallmark, allowing just 56 points per game in conference play, which indicates their ability to slow down the game and limit scoring opportunities for opponents. Montana State, while capable of offensive bursts, will face a stern test against the Tigers’ defense. The Bobcats’ own defensive strength, led by Robert Ford III, suggests a game that could be dominated by defensive plays rather than high scoring. Additionally, the pressure of an NCAA Tournament debut for Grambling and a third consecutive appearance for Montana State could lead to tighter play and fewer risks taken on offense, further supporting the under.

Examining the betting trends, both teams have had a relatively balanced over-under record this season, with Grambling leaning slightly towards the under. The total line set at 134.5 seems just high enough, given the defensive capabilities of both teams and the significance of the game. Neither team has shown a propensity to engage in shootouts, and the historical lack of head-to-head matchups means there’s no precedent to expect a high-scoring affair. All signs point to a game where defenses shine and points are at a premium, making the under the smart pick for this First Four showdown.

The Pick: Under 134.5 -105 (FanDuel)