The San Jose State Spartans (6-12, 2-4 MWC) look to put an end to their six-game road losing streak in a matchup against the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (9-9, 4-1 MWC) at Thomas & Mack Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.
San Jose State Spartans at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels ATS Prediction
The Spartans are hoping for a better outcome after their 81-70 loss to the Colorado State Rams in their last outing. One of Colorado State’s biggest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They had 30 free throw attempts, while San Jose State had 16. Seneca Knight was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points on 7-for-20 shooting.
The last time the Runnin’ Rebels were in action, they were victorious over the Wyoming Cowboys, 78-69. UNLV out-rebounded Wyoming. The Runnin’ Rebels had more offensive rebounds (15 vs. four), defensive rebounds (37 vs. 24) and total rebounds (52 vs. 28). Bryce Hamilton was UNLV’s high scorer with 19 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the field.
UNLV figures to have an advantage on the offensive glass in this matchup. The Runnin’ Rebels are among the NCAA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 13th in offensive rebounding percentage at 36.5 percent. Meanwhile, San Jose State ranks 232nd in the NCAA at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 71.0 percent.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Brae Ivey (16 points,3.6 assists) has been stellar for the Spartans while Hamilton (13 points) has made great contributions to the Runnin’ Rebels.
After the Runnin’ Rebels won both contests against the Spartans last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last game, UNLV won 71-64. The Runnin’ Rebels had a much better free throw rate (0.281 vs. 0.127) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.1 vs. 22.7).
San Jose State Spartans at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Odds Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – San Jose State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
UNLV ranks 158th in assists allowed per game (13.4) while San Jose State ranks 243rd (17.3).
The Spartans’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.2, down from 9.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Runnin’ Rebels have scored an average of 69.8 points per game (0.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 60.6 points per game (6.8 below their season average).