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Utah vs San Jose State Season Opener Betting Preview
Utah opens a new chapter Monday night in Salt Lake City as Alex Jensen takes over as head coach. The former Utes standout, who led the team to the 1998 national championship game, returns to his alma mater after a decade coaching in the NBA.
Jensen inherits a Utah team that went 16-17 last season, falling to Butler in the first round of the College Basketball Crown. The Utes are leaning on newcomers, including Terrence Brown, a Fairleigh Dickinson transfer who scored 27 points in their exhibition loss to Nevada.
San Jose State, coming off a 15-20 season under Tim Miles, will look to slow Utah’s pace and test the Utes’ new defensive schemes. Javaughn Hannah led the Spartans with 17 points and eight rebounds in an exhibition win over Cal State East Bay.
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Line Movement and Odds
The latest numbers on the NCAA basketball odds board list Utah as a -15.5 favorite with a total of 141.5 points. The line opened at -14.5 before moving up, indicating early support for the Utes.
Public money is on Utah to cover, but sharp bettors have leaned toward the under, expecting a controlled tempo from Jensen’s debut. The Utes are also heavy favorites on the moneyline, while the Spartans sit as a sizable underdog. Check current updates through the college basketball picks section
Matchup Breakdown
Utah Outlook: Jensen plans to reestablish Utah’s defensive identity, with returning big man Keba Keita expected to anchor the paint. The Utes ranked in the top half of the Pac-12 in defensive efficiency last season but struggled with turnovers.
San Jose State Outlook: The Spartans need to handle Utah’s frontcourt pressure and improve on last year’s 299th national ranking in offensive rebounds. Miles’ team must shoot efficiently from three to keep it close.
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Injuries and Conditions
Utah: Forward Hunter Erickson (ankle) is day-to-day. Guard Cole Bajema is fully cleared after offseason rest. See full details on the Utah team page
San Jose State: Guard Myron Amey Jr. (knee) remains questionable, while Trey Anderson is expected to play heavy minutes. View updates on the San Jose State team page
Weather: None. Indoor game at the Huntsman Center.
Best Bets and Prediction
Utah has covered in nine of its last 12 season openers, while San Jose State is 6-3 ATS in its last nine road games as a double-digit underdog. Expect Utah to control the boards and tempo in a methodical home win.
Projected Score: Utah 78, San Jose State 61
Best Bet: Under 141.5
Secondary Lean: Utah -15.5
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