It will be a battle between MWC opponents when the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (13-14, 8-6 MWC) welcome the Colorado State Rams (18-9, 9-5 MWC) to the Thomas & Mack Center. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
UNLV opens as a 1-point favorite over Colorado State with a total of 148 at Pointsbet Iowa Sportsbook.
Colorado State Rams at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Free Prediction
In the Rams’ last contest, they beat the Wyoming Cowboys, 77-70. Colorado State won the rebounding battle. The Rams had more offensive rebounds (18 vs. four), defensive rebounds (34 vs. 22) and total rebounds (52 vs. 26). Colorado State was lifted by Nico Carvacho, who put up 11 points and 17 rebounds.
The Runnin’ Rebels defeated the New Mexico Lobos in their last contest, 78-73. The Runnin’ Rebels held the Lobos to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.2 (below their season average of 29.0) and had a turnover percentage of 14.6 (better than their season average of 16.9). With 17 points and six rebounds, UNLV’s Elijah Mitrou-Long had a good game.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Runnin’ Rebels are among the NCAA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 20th in offensive rebounding percentage at 35.0 percent. Meanwhile, Colorado State ranks 32nd in the country at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 76.1 percent. Additionally, the Rams’ 53rd-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 109.0) will face off against the Runnin’ Rebels’ 284th-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 104.4).
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. Bryce Hamilton led both teams with 28 points in the first game, in which the Runnin’ Rebels lost 95-77. Colorado State did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (20-28; 71.4 percent). UNLV, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.1 vs. 28.0).
Colorado State Rams vs. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – UNLV, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Colorado State ranks 23rd in assists per game (15.6) while UNLV ranks 214th in assists allowed per game (14.3).
The Runnin’ Rebels rank 98th in three pointers attempted per game (23.5) while the Rams rank 265th in three pointers allowed per game (24.9).
UNLV ranks 43rd in rebounds per game (38.8) while Colorado State ranks 141st (35.7).
The Rams rank 36th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 131st (3.6).
Colorado State averages 6.6 steals per game, which ranks 113th in the nation. UNLV ranks 118th in steals allowed per game (6.4).
The Rams’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.6, up from 4.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Runnin’ Rebels have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (0.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.2 points per game (6.1 above their season average).