Grambling State vs. Montana State Odds, Opening Spread, Predictions for 2024 NCAA Tournament

Grambling State vs. Montana State Odds

The 2024 NCAA Tournament field has been announced and Grambling State will take on Montana State in the First Four game. Here's everything you need to know about Grambling State vs. Montana State odds, spread and more.

Montana State opened as a 3.5-point favorite over Grambling in the first round off the NCAA Tournament with the total set at over/under 134 points scored by both teams combined.

Find out how 16-seeded Grambling State and 16-seeded Montana State matchup statistically ahead of their opening round matchup.

Statistical Matchup

Grambling State vs. Montana State Analysis

Grambling State is participating in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history, while Montana State is appearing in its third straight tournament.

But under first-year head coach Matt Logie, the Bobcats' run will look different this season.

The Bobcats were an inferno in the second half of all three Big Sky tournament games, making every perimeter shot. I’m not sure you can count on Montana State going ballistic again, but the Cats shoot it well all year — 36% from deep, to be exact.

Starting point guard Robert Ford III is a speedy guard who impacts the game in various ways. Not only is he lightning quick, but he averaged 15.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists on 48% shooting and 42% from 3. Ford is just 6-foot but you wouldn’t know that from his elite rebounding.

Grambling State got hot when it mattered most, winning 11 of its final 13 games in SWAC play. The Tigers amped up the defensive pressure, causing hardships for opposing SWAC conference tourney opponents. Two of the three opponents tallied fewer than 1.000 PPP, and Texas Southern only cracked 1.03 PPP.

Coach Jackson needs scoring from his big three, Jourdan Smith, Kintavious Dozier and Tramichael Moton. All three average double-digit points, and Smith paced all scorers with 20 in the conference title showdown.

The only way Grambling State wins is if defensive pressure alters the gorgeous sets drawn up by Coach Logie. Forcing turnovers is critical for GSU, as the team boasts a 19% defensive turnover rate.

That’s where the edge lies for Grambling.

Otherwise, it’s a total hammer spot for the Bobcats, who are more talented and have a play style that tailored to winning in March.

–Sean Paul

For more coverage of the 2024 NCAA Tournament and Selection Sunday, make sure to check out our experts' live reactions to the bracket reveal and the Selection Sunday live show, where you can get their instant analysis on every matchup as well as some early insights to help you make your bets.