The No. 4 San Diego State Aztecs (20-0, 9-0 MWC) try to remain unbeaten when they meet the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (11-10, 6-2 MWC) at Thomas & Mack Center. The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 26, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
San Diego State Aztecs at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels ATS Prediction
In the Aztecs’ last game, they topped the Wyoming Cowboys, 72-55. San Diego State’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Wyoming. The Aztecs had a rate of 15.8 (worse than their season average of 14.4), while the Cowboys posted a mark of 24.6 (above their season average of 18.4). San Diego State received a boost from Malachi Flynn, who was the team’s leading scorer with 18 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
The Runnin’ Rebels fell to the Nevada Wolf Pack in their last contest, 86-72. Nevada’s turnover percentage was the team’s largest advantage over UNLV. The Wolf Pack posted a mark of 7.8 (better than their season average of 15.4), while the Runnin’ Rebels had a rate of 13.8. Bryce Hamilton had a good game for UNLV, leading the team in scoring with 26 points on 10-for-23 shooting.
After the Aztecs won all three matchups against the Runnin’ Rebels last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, San Diego State won 63-55. The Aztecs made 24 of their 32 free throws (75.0 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (10.1 vs. 12.7).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Yanni Wetzell (16 points,7.2 rebounds) has been stellar for the Aztecs while Hamilton (21 points) has made great contributions to the Runnin’ Rebels.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the country’s slowest-paced teams face off. UNLV ranks 268th in possessions per game (67.9) and San Diego State is 322nd (66.3). Additionally, the Aztecs rank 11th in offensive efficiency (112.7), while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 264th in defensive efficiency (102.8).
San Diego State Aztecs vs. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Betting Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – San Diego State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
San Diego State ranks 28th in assists allowed per game (10.2) while UNLV ranks 186th (13.7).
The Aztecs rank 10th in blocks allowed per game (2.1) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 126th (3.8).
San Diego State ranks 31st in steals allowed per game (5.3) while UNLV ranks 129th (6.7).
The Aztecs rank 136th in three pointers allowed per game (21.5) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 233rd (24.5).
UNLV ranks 33rd in rebounds per game (39.5) while San Diego State ranks 124th (36.5).
The Aztecs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.4, down from 18.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Runnin’ Rebels have scored an average of 82.6 points per game (10.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.6 points per game (8.9 above their season average).
