College Basketball Odds, Expert Prediction for Washington State vs Colorado (Sunday, Jan. 22)

Washington State vs Colorado Odds

Sunday, Jan. 22

6 p.m. ET

ESPNU

Washington State Odds
Spread	Total	Moneyline
+5.5 -110	136.5 -110o / -110u	+176

Colorado Odds
Spread	Total	Moneyline
-5.5 -110	136.5 -110o / -110u	-215

Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute college basketball odds here.

The Cougars are looking to get back in the win column following their loss at Utah earlier this week. The double-digit loss ended Washington State's three-game win streak as the Cougars continue to search for their second conference road win. Although they're just 1-6 on the road this season, Washington State's lone road win came at Arizona — a top 25 team in the nation.

The Cougars will take on the Colorado Buffaloes, who are looking to end a losing streak of their own. Colorado got back to .500 in conference play and went 7-1 from December 8th to January 7th. Since then, they have lost three in a row to USC, UCLA and a struggling Washington team.

Washington State Cougars

The Washington State offense has been the third most efficient in the Pac-12. Led by TJ Bamba, who is averaging 15.1 points per game, the Washington State offense is best from beyond the arc. The Cougars have hit 36.4% of their shots from 3-point range this season, and have been even better in their past five games (36.6%).

On the defensive side of the ball, Washington State struggles to defend both the mid-range and the paint. But when it comes to defending at the rim and above the break 3's, the Cougars rank higher than the 80th percentile in both. The Cougars hold teams to 56.2% shooting at the rim in conference play and are their best when it comes to defending above the break, limiting opponents to just 29.7% shooting.

Against Colorado, Washington State's biggest challenge will be maintaining its efficiency from 3-point range. The Cougars lead the conference in 3-point attempts and point distribution from beyond the arc. The Buffaloes rank in the 99th percentile over their past five games when it comes to opponent 3-point percentage, holding teams to just 26.5%.

The must-have app for college basketball bettors

The best NCAAB betting scoreboard

Free picks from proven pros

Live win probabilities for your bets

DOWNLOAD NOW

Colorado Buffaloes

The Buffaloes offense had an impressive performance against Washington. Julian Hammond went off for 18 points and the team scored 72, which is decently above their 65.3-point average against conference opponents. However, Colorado's defense couldn't stop a runny nose.

Washington shot 54% from the field and 45% from the perimeter in Colorado's last game. If Colorado's defense can't step up against the Cougars, a very similar result could be in store.

Washington State vs Colorado Betting Pick

The biggest issue for Washington State has been its defense. However, the Cougars likely won't be challenged as much as they were against Utah. The Colorado offense has taken a nosedive since Pac-12 play began and while the Buffaloes defense has been solid overall, recent struggles have me hesitant to back the Buffaloes in this one.

Both teams have struggled covering the spread this season, but with Washington State's ability to slow this game to a grinding halt, I think the Cougars can keep this one close.

Pick: Washington State +5 or Better

Back the Cougars Instantly at FanDuel Instantly with QuickSlip!