Offense could be scarce with the conference title on the line, and Jeremy Jones expects just that when these two programs square off at Orleans Arena.
Jeremy Jones • Betting Analyst
Mar 15, 2025 • 20:24 ET • 4 min read
The Western Athletic Conference Championship is tonight in Las Vegas, Nevada, and a berth into the NCAA Tournament is up for grabs between the Grand Canyon Antelopes and the Utah Valley Wolverines.
These two teams split the season series, with each team protecting their home court.
Find out why my Grand Canyon vs Utah Valley predictions forecast a low-scoring game in my college basketball picks for Saturday, March 15.
Who will win Grand Canyon vs Utah Valley?
Utah Valley suffered only one loss in the WAC all season long, and it was to these Antelopes at Grand Canyon.
Both teams rely heavily on free throws and scoring around the rim to put points on the board. The biggest difference is that Grand Canyon shoots 73.0% from the line, while Utah Valley enters at a 69.0% clip.
That could be the difference maker in this championship game, sending the Antelopes to the Big Dance.
Grand Canyon vs Utah Valley prediction
My best bet: Under 142.5 (-110 at bet365)
In the first matchup at Utah Valley, both teams shot the ball very poorly, with Grand Canyon shooting 43.6% from the floor and the Wolverines hitting at a 36.5% clip. However, Utah Valley was still able to win at home by getting 16 offensive boards and shooting 20-of-27 from the charity stripe.
Meanwhile, the Antelopes shot 11-for-18 from the free-throw line and only had six offensive rebounds. In the rematch in Phoenix, Grand Canyon dominated to win by 18 points. The Wolverines once again struggled, shooting just 32.8% from the floor. This time, however, they were limited to nine offensive boards and went 11-for-15 from the free-throw line.
Those two games had one major thing in common, and that was poor shooting by the Wolverines — resulting in a low-scoring game.
Tonight’s total is set at 142.5 despite the two regular-season matchups producing just 136 and 132 points. Both defenses rank in the top 75 nationally in points allowed and KenPom’s defensive efficiency. Additionally, each program boasts excellent defensive floor percentages, ranking in the top 35 in the country.
While Grand Canyon has played a couple of higher-scoring games in the tournament thus far, Utah Valley has allowed 57 and 55 points in its two games — while only scoring 74 and 68 themselves. It would be very surprising to see the Wolverines surpass the mid-60s in this contest, so I love the Under.
Grand Canyon vs Utah Valley same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 142.5
Grand Canyon -4.5
To go with our best bet, I am going to take the Antelopes to win and cover the spread. The Lopes match up so well with Utah Valley, and they force the Wolverines to work hard to get any points on the scoreboard.
The Antelopes rank 58th in the country in rebounding percentage, so they are unlikely to lose the battle on the boards as they did in the first matchup with Utah Valley. If they win the battle on the boards and keep pace in terms of free throw attempts and turnovers, they should be able to win this game by at least five points.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Grand Canyon vs Utah Valley odds
Grand Canyon vs Utah Valley live odds
Grand Canyon vs Utah Valley opening odds
- Spread: Grand Canyon -4 (-110) | Utah Valley +4 (-110)
- Moneyline: Grand Canyon -185 | Utah Valley +155
- Over/Under: Over 141.5 (-110) | Under 141.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Grand Canyon vs Utah Valley betting trend to know
Utah Valley has hit the game total Under in 15 of its last 24 games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Grand Canyon vs. Utah Valley.
How to watch Grand Canyon vs Utah Valley
Location Orleans Arena, Las Vegas, NV Date Saturday, 3-15-2025 Tip-off 11:30 p.m. ET TV ESPN2
Grand Canyon vs Utah Valley key injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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