It will be a battle between MWC opponents when the Nevada Wolf Pack (11-8, 4-3 MWC) welcome the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (11-9, 6-1 MWC) to the Lawlor Events Center. The game starts at 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Nevada Wolf Pack Free Prediction
The Runnin’ Rebels come in on a high note after dismantling the New Mexico Lobos in their last outing, 99-78. The Runnin’ Rebels held the Lobos to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.0 (below their season average of 30.1) and had a turnover percentage of 10.8 (better than their season average of 18.7). UNLV rallied around Marvin Coleman, who notched his zeroth triple-double of the year. He took over, collecting 11 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists.
In the Wolf Pack’s last game, they were beaten by the No. 7 San Diego State Aztecs, 68-55. San Diego State’s 32.4 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Nevada, who had a rate of 25.0. The Aztecs’ mark was above their season average of 30.8. Nevada’s Jalen Harris had a solid performance, leading both teams in scoring with 19 points on 7-for-16 shooting.
After the Wolf Pack won both contests against the Runnin’ Rebels last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, Nevada won 89-73. The Wolf Pack had a much better turnover percentage (10.6 vs. 19.8) and had a better free throw rate (0.200 vs. 0.127).
Nevada should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Nevada ranks 57th in the nation at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.3 percent), while UNLV forces the 93rd-fewest turnovers (18.4 percent). Also, the Runnin’ Rebels are among the NCAA’s elite at getting to the line, ranking 60th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.263). The Wolf Pack, meanhwile, rank 293rd in opponents’ FTA rate (0.270).
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels vs. Nevada Wolf Pack Free Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – UNLV, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
UNLV ranks 17th in rebounds allowed per game (30.6) while Nevada ranks 207th (36.8).
The Wolf Pack rank 59th in three pointers attempted per game (25.4) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 223rd in three pointers allowed per game (24.4).
Nevada ranks seventh in steals allowed per game (4.5) while UNLV ranks 120th (6.6).
The Wolf Pack rank 69th in assists per game (14.5) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 173rd in assists allowed per game (13.6).
Nevada ranks 33rd in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while UNLV ranks 117th (3.6).
The Runnin’ Rebels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.2, up from 2.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wolf Pack have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (5.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.2 points per game (0.7 below their season average).