Can Montana State hang around against BYU in Provo?
The Cougars enter as 22.5-point home favorites, and my Montana State vs. BYU prediction backs them to take care of business and cover the spread.
Let's dive into my college basketball picks for Thursday, Nov. 12.
TOP PICK
Who will win Montana State vs BYU: BYU -22.5
If you're worried about BYU covering this number, take its team total Over 93.5. However, if the Cougars score that much, they're likely covering, too, and I would play this to -24.5.
BYU has no reason to let off the gas anytime soon, as it doesn't face another team inside the top 100 until Washington on Nov. 23 in the Maui Invitational.
The Cougars are going to make Montana State's lives miserable this evening. For starters, this will be the fastest team the Bobcats have faced by more than 114 spots.
Kevin Young wants his boys running, and with BYU playing at home, the pace should be dictated by the Cougars from start to finish.
On top of that, BYU ranks inside the top 45 in 3-point attempts and is knocking them down at a near 45% clip. Montana State has allowed teams to shoot plenty of treys through its first two games.
If the Bobcats let this team get comfortable from beyond the arc, things could get ugly.
COVERS INTEL: BYU has done a tremendous job keeping its hands to itself this season, ranking 33rd in free-throw rate defense. Meanwhile, Montana State sits 300 spots lower, fouling at a concerning rate.
Montana State vs BYU Over/Under pick: Under 163.5
Even with this being a faster-paced game, it's hard to want to rely on BYU to carry this Over. Montana State hasn't faced a team of this caliber.
The best team the Bobcats have played is Colorado State, which hasn't covered a spread yet this season. Its most dominant victory was a 16-point win over Portland State.
The Cougars do a great job of keeping teams off the line, grabbing rebounds and blocking shots. I don't see either team taking this one over.
Playable down to 160.5.
Montana State vs BYU combo
BYU has no reason not to go all out in this game. The Cougars need to continue building chemistry and work out the early-season kinks.
On top of that, the fast pace should overwhelm a Bobcats team that prefers to play at a much slower tempo. Despite the difference in pace, I expect this to remain a lower-scoring affair.
Montana State vs BYU combo
- BYU -22.5
- Under 163.5
- Top picks: 22-16, +6.33 units
Montana State vs BYU odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Montana State +22.5 | BYU -22.5
- Over/Under: Over 163.5 | Under 163.5
- Moneyline: Montana State 4% | BYU 97%
For the full slate of college basketball matchups, check out our college basketball odds board!
Montana State vs BYU trend
BYU is 4-1 ATS in their last five games (+2.90 / 53% RIO). Find more college basketball betting trends.
How to watch Montana State vs BYU
| Location | Marriott Center, Provo, Utah |
| Date | Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 |
| Tip off | 9 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
Montana State vs BYU latest injuries
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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