The Boise State Broncos (19-10, 11-6 MWC) bring the regular season to a conclusion on the road at Thomas & Mack Center when they meet the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (15-14, 10-6 MWC). The game starts at 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Boise State Broncos vs. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Free Prediction
The Broncos will be looking for a similar result after beating the New Mexico Lobos in their last game, 74-61. Boise State won the rebounding battle. The Broncos had 13 offensive rebounds and 35 total rebounds, while the Lobos had five and 27, respectively. Boise State was lifted by RJ Williams, who was the top scorer from either team with 27 points on 11-for-14 shooting.
The last time the Runnin’ Rebels played, they barely escaped the No. 4 San Diego State Aztecs, 66-63. UNLV’s 14.8 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over San Diego State, who had a rate of 16.1. The Runnin’ Rebels’ mark was better than their season average of 16.8. With 11 points and 10 rebounds, UNLV’s Bryce Hamilton had a good game.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. In the first, Derrick Alston Jr. scored a game-high 26 points and the Broncos beat the Runnin’ Rebels 73-66. He also recorded 10 rebounds. Boise State did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (23-31; 74.2 percent). UNLV, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (34.2 vs. 30.3).
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Runnin’ Rebels are among the country’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 23rd in offensive rebounding percentage at 34.5 percent. Meanwhile, Boise State ranks ninth in the country at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 78.6 percent.
Boise State at UNLV Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – UNLV, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
UNLV ranks 38th in rebounds per game (38.9) while Boise State ranks 208th (34.2).
The Broncos average 24.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 70th in the country. The Runnin’ Rebels rank 222nd in three pointers allowed per game (23.6).
Boise State ranks 16th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while UNLV ranks 123rd (3.4).
The Broncos rank 131st in assists per game (13.2) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 206th in assists allowed per game (14.0).
The Broncos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 7.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Runnin’ Rebels have scored an average of 74.2 points per game (2.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.2 points per game (2.1 below their season average).