The No. 7 San Diego State Aztecs (18-0, 7-0 MWC) hope to remain perfect when they go head-to-head against the Nevada Wolf Pack (11-7, 4-2 MWC) at Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
Nevada Wolf Pack vs. San Diego State Aztecs Betting Prediction
In the Wolf Pack’s last outing, they defeated the Wyoming Cowboys, 68-67. Nevada held the Cowboys to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.2 (below the 25.6 mark opponents have averaged against Nevada this season). Wyoming, meanwhile, did a great job of making free throws (13-16; 81.3 percent). With 20 points on 9-for-17 shooting, Jalen Harris was the top scorer from either team.
The Aztecs beat the Fresno State Bulldogs in their last matchup, 64-55. The Aztecs knocked down 13 of their 14 free throws (92.9 percent) and held the Bulldogs to an effective field goal percentage of 0.409 (below their season average of 0.497). Malachi Flynn was the top scorer from either team with 22 points on 7-for-14 shooting from the field.
After the Aztecs won two out of three games against the Wolf Pack last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, San Diego State won 65-56. The Aztecs knocked down 13 of their 17 free throws (76.5 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (14.0 vs. 15.8).
This showdown pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. San Diego State currently ranks 44th in effective field goal percentage (0.537) and Nevada is 58th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.456). Also, the Wolf Pack commit the 53rd-fewest errors in the nation (turnover percentage of 17.1 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of the Aztecs causes the 54th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.8 percent).
Nevada vs. San Diego State Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – San Diego State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
San Diego State ranks 30th in rebounds allowed per game (31.4) while Nevada ranks 190th (36.5).
The Aztecs rank 111th in three pointers allowed per game (21.2) while the Wolf Pack rank 227th (24.8).
San Diego State ranks 27th in assists allowed per game (10.2) while Nevada ranks 88th (11.8).
The Wolf Pack are sixth in the nation with 4.4 steals allowed per game while the Aztecs are 31st with 5.3 steals allowed per game.
San Diego State is 10th in the NCAA with 2.2 blocks allowed per game while Nevada is 20th with 2.4 blocks allowed per game.
The Wolf Pack’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.4, down from 3.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Aztecs have scored an average of 71.4 points per game (3.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 58.4 points per game (1.5 above their season average).
