The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (10-9, 5-1 MWC) will attempt to prolong their five-game home winning streak in a matchup against the New Mexico Lobos (15-4, 4-2 MWC) at Thomas & Mack Center. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020.
New Mexico Lobos at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels ATS Prediction
In the Lobos’ last game, they were dismantled by the Colorado State Rams, 105-72. Colorado State’s 34.6 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over New Mexico, who had a mark of 18.2. The Rams’ mark was above their season average of 25.2, while the Lobos’ was below their season average of 30.8. Zane Martin was New Mexico’s high scorer with 17 points on 7-for-11 shooting.
The Runnin’ Rebels beat the San Jose State Spartans in their last outing, 98-87. The Runnin’ Rebels had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 48.1 (above their season average of 36.5) and had a free throw rate of 0.500 (above their season average of 0.255). With 12 points and 13 rebounds, UNLV’s Cheikh Mbacke Diong played well.
A focal point for the UNLV offense is getting to the free throw line. The Runnin’ Rebels rank 53rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.268), but New Mexico is among the best in the NCAA at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking 13th by yielding a FTA rate of 0.153). This contest should be a battle of contrasting styles. The up-tempo Lobos rank 37th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Runnin’ Rebels rank 287th.
After the Runnin’ Rebels won both meetings against the Lobos last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, UNLV won 74-58. The Runnin’ Rebels had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.561 vs. 0.403) and had a better free throw rate (0.175 vs. 0.129).
New Mexico Lobos vs. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Odds Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – New Mexico, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
New Mexico ranks 29th in assists per game (15.9) while UNLV ranks 174th (12.4).
The Runnin’ Rebels average 22.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 115th in the country. The Lobos rank 258th in three pointers allowed per game (26.9).
New Mexico ranks 42nd in steals per game (8.2) while UNLV ranks 178th (5.7).
The Lobos rank 14th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 111th (3.7).
UNLV ranks 18th in rebounds allowed per game (30.6) while New Mexico ranks 89th (33.7).
The Lobos have been outscored by an average of 2.2 points in their last five games. For the season, New Mexico has defeated opponents by an average of 6.1 points.
During their last five games, the Runnin’ Rebels have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (6.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.2 points per game (0.2 below their season average).