The Boise State Broncos (19-11, 11-7 MWC) clash against the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (17-14, 12-6 MWC) in the Mountain West Conference Tournament at Thomas & Mack Center. The game will air on CBS Sports Network at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 5, 2020.
Boise State Broncos vs. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Free Prediction
The Runnin’ Rebels won big over the San Jose State Spartans in their last matchup, 92-69. UNLV won the rebounding battle. The Runnin’ Rebels had more offensive rebounds (11 vs. six), defensive rebounds (30 vs. 22) and total rebounds (41 vs. 28). With 19 points and 12 rebounds, Cheikh Mbacke Diong played well for UNLV.
The Broncos’ last game was against the Runnin’ Rebels. The Runnin’ Rebels won 76-66. UNLV’s 0.564 effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Boise State, who had a rate of 0.383. Derrick Alston Jr. had a double-double in the loss with 26 points and 10 rebounds. For the season, both teams have won one game.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the NCAA’s top rebounding teams go head-to-head. The Runnin’ Rebels rank 27th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.0 percent), while Boise State ranks 10th in defensive rebounding percentage (78.6 percent). Furthermore, the Broncos are among the NCAA’s elite at getting to the line, ranking 55th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.268). The Runnin’ Rebels, meanhwile, rank 322nd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.290).
Boise State vs. UNLV ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – UNLV, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
UNLV ranks 30th in rebounds per game (39.1) while Boise State ranks 204th (34.5).
The Broncos rank 65th in three pointers attempted per game (24.6) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 237th in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
Boise State ranks 20th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while UNLV ranks 119th (3.4).
The Broncos rank 138th in assists per game (13.2) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 214th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
The Broncos’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.2, down from 7.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Runnin’ Rebels have scored an average of 78.4 points per game (5.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.4 points per game (4.8 below their season average).