NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Seattle vs Washington State Picks and Predictions – Wednesday January 28, 2026
Seattle heads to Pullman for a non-conference game with Washington State on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 9:30 PM ET. It’s at Friel Court on ESPN+, and the line is telling you this is basically a coin flip, with Washington State laying 1.5 at home.
Seattle is 14-8 and has been competitive most nights, even if the offense isn’t built to win track meets. Washington State is 9-13, but they’ve been noticeably better at home at 7-5, and that’s why the Cougars are still the favorite despite the overall record.
The total is 143.5, which is a reasonable mid-range number for two teams that can score but don’t always play fast. The handicap comes down to which offense gets cleaner looks. In a short spread game, that’s usually the entire story.
Seattle vs Washington State Odds
These are the current betting lines, and bettors should monitor the latest college basketball odds as tip approaches.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | +103 | +1.5 (-111) | O/U 143.5 |
| Washington State | -128 | -1.5 (-112) | O/U 143.5 |
Seattle Betting Form
Seattle comes in off a 56-54 loss to Pacific, and that game matters for how I see this total. They can get dragged into low-possession basketball, and when that happens, every empty trip is magnified. Seattle’s offense is not a machine. They can score, but they don’t always score easily, and that makes them more sensitive to opponent physicality and half-court pressure.
Brayden Maldonado is the key piece. He’s the type of scorer who can keep you afloat when the game gets ugly, and Seattle needs that here because Washington State at home typically plays with more energy and better shot discipline. Seattle’s 3-4 road record is not terrible, but it does suggest they’re not a team you blindly back in true road coin flips without a matchup edge.
The cover case is Seattle staying composed, keeping turnovers under control, and getting to the line enough to avoid long scoring droughts. If they can consistently manufacture points without relying solely on threes, they’re live to win outright. For recent results and splits, start with Seattle stats and results.
Washington State Betting Form
Washington State just put up 95 in a win over Pepperdine, and it’s easy to overreact to that type of box score. The more important point for this matchup is that the Cougars have been a different team at home. A 7-5 home record is respectable, and it supports why they’re favored in a game where the overall records would suggest otherwise.
Offensively, Washington State’s path is getting efficient looks early, then using the building to stack runs. When they’re shooting well, they’re difficult to keep in front because the possessions end in high-quality attempts rather than forced shots. That’s huge in a small spread game, because two or three extra efficient possessions often decide it.
The risk is that Washington State has not been consistent across the season, and in a short number, late-game execution matters. If they give away possessions with turnovers or settle for quick jumpers, this turns into a one-possession game where +103 on the dog starts to look tempting. For game logs and home splits, check Washington State schedule and stats.
Seattle vs Washington State Matchup Breakdown
The matchup revolves around pace and shot quality. Seattle is comfortable in lower-scoring games and tends to be more competitive when the possession count stays controlled. Washington State would prefer a slightly faster rhythm at home, especially if they’re getting good looks early and can pressure Seattle into quick responses.
Rebounding and turnovers are the swing stats. In short spread games, extra possessions are everything. If Washington State wins the turnover margin and gets a few more second-chance looks, they’re likely to cover the 1.5. If Seattle keeps it clean and forces Washington State into longer half-court possessions, the underdog can steal this late.
The total at 143.5 is also tied to Seattle’s ability to score. If Seattle is stuck in the low 60s, the under becomes the natural outcome unless Washington State gets into the mid-80s. If Seattle contributes a normal offensive night and the game stays competitive, you can get a total that sneaks into the high 140s because of late free throws and end-game possessions.
If you want a practical framework for how tempo, shot profile, and late fouling shape totals, the Expert Betting Guide is a good reference for spots like this.
Seattle vs Washington State Predictions and Best Bets
I lean Seattle +1.5, and I’d rather play the points than the moneyline. The market is essentially saying the home court is worth the difference, but Seattle has the better overall season profile and they’ve been competitive in tight games. If this turns into a half-court game with long possessions, the +1.5 is valuable because you’re buying into a close finish.
Washington State can win if the Pepperdine shooting carries over and they get an early rhythm at home. But I’m not eager to lay points with a 9-13 team in a short spread game unless I have a clear matchup edge. Seattle’s ability to hang around makes the dog side more appealing.
On the total, I lean under 143.5. Seattle’s recent game script and their tendency to get pulled into slower possessions suggests the floor is lower than people expect. If Washington State doesn’t shoot at an elevated level again, the under has room.
Best Bet: Under 143.5
NCAAB Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
For the rest of the board, compare your read with the daily college basketball picks so you’re not betting in a vacuum, especially on late games where line movement can show up close to tip.
For more matchup coverage, the NCAAB previews hub makes it easy to scan the slate, and the college basketball teams hub helps you compare profiles quickly. Broader angles and market reads are on the ScoresAndStats blog.
If you want to track proven performers, the best handicappers page and the live leaderboard show who’s beating the market. If you’re looking for premium selections, you can browse options on Buy Picks. And for evaluating services and where you’re placing action, the handicappers sites reviews and sportsbook reviews are useful to keep in rotation.
