Montana State
Bobcats
1-1
Spread
+23.5
NCAAB Predictions
Montana State Bobcats vs BYU Cougars Predictions
Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 9:00pm EST at Marriott Center, Provo, UT
@
BYU
Cougars
2-0
Spread
-23.5
50%
50%
Spread
Montana State Bobcats +23.5
BYU Cougars -23.5
Moneyline
Montana State Bobcats +2200
BYU Cougars -8000
Total
Over 164.5 (-115)
Under 164.5 (-105)
Who wins this game?
Professional Picks
2 available
Professional Picks On This Game
Garrett Perry
Spread pick
Matt O'Brien
Spread pick
Montana State vs. BYU Prediction: Cougars Likely to Win, but Pass at -8000
Analysis updated November 12, 2026 at 2:04 AM CST
BYU has scored at least 94 points in each of its three wins, but uncertain lineup availability makes the 23.5-point margin difficult to project.
BYU's scoring creates the clearest mismatch
BYU enters Thursday's home game 3-0 after scoring 94 points against Ohio State, 108 against Omaha and 98 against Queens. Montana State University Athletics reports that the No. 23 Cougars are 2-0 at Marriott Center, while Montana State is 1-1 after losing its only road game 84-74 at Colorado State. Those results make BYU the likely winner, but the SPF moneyline of -8000 asks bettors to risk too much for a small return.
Montana State responded to the Colorado State loss with an 83-70 win over Long Beach State. The Bobcats also returned 10 players, including 2025-26 all-conference honorees Jed Miller, Christian King and Jeremiah Davis. That experience is relevant to the SPF spread of 23.5 points, even though it doesn't establish Montana State as the better side.
Davis could help Montana State limit the margin
Davis averaged 17.0 points and 7.5 rebounds through Montana State's first two games, including 17 points and 10 rebounds against Long Beach State. His rebounding could help the Bobcats avoid giving BYU extra possessions, which matters when trying to stay within a large spread.
BYU is playing its second game in three days after beating Queens on November 10. However, the available reporting doesn't include an expected starting five or game-specific injury information for Montana State, and it provides no comparable availability details for BYU. That uncertainty makes a 23.5-point margin difficult to price with confidence.
Betting outlook
BYU is the pick to win, but the moneyline is too expensive at -8000. The spread also requires more lineup and matchup evidence than is available, so the side is a pass.
The SPF total is 164.5. Three high-scoring BYU results aren't enough to establish how this matchup will be played, and the available evidence doesn't support an over or under bet.
Pick
BYU Cougars
Confidence
low
Betting lean
Pass