It will be a battle between Mountain West Conference opponents when the Utah State Aggies (17-7, 6-5 MWC) welcome the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (11-12, 6-4 MWC) to Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels vs. Utah State Aggies ATS Prediction
The Runnin’ Rebels are trying to rebound after their 95-77 loss to the Colorado State Rams in their last outing. Getting to the free throw line was one of Colorado State’s largest strengths. They made 28 trips to the line, while UNLV went just 13 times. Bryce Hamilton was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 11-for-22 shooting.
In the Aggies’ last outing, they fell to the No. 4 San Diego State Aztecs, 80-68. San Diego State’s 0.308 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Utah State, who had a rate of 0.167. The Aztecs’ mark was above their season average of 0.214, while the Aggies’ was below their season average of 0.286. Utah State’s Sam Merrill had a good game, leading the team in scoring with 16 points on 5-for-12 shooting.
Utah State could have their way on the offensive side of the ball as their high-powered offense squares off against one of the nation’s worst defenses. The Aggies currently rank 27th in offensive efficiency, while UNLV ranks 286th in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Runnin’ Rebels are among the nation’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking 11th in offensive rebounding percentage (36.7 percent). The Aggies, meanwhile, rank 10th at securing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 77.9 percent.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Hamilton (25 points,5.6 rebounds,1.2 steals) has been great for the Runnin’ Rebels while Merrill (20 points,4.2 assists) has contributed greatly to the Aggies.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Cheikh Mbacke Diong recorded 10 points and 14 rebounds and the Runnin’ Rebels defeated the Aggies 70-53. The Runnin’ Rebels’ 42.4 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Aggies, who had a rate of 27.0.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels vs. Utah State Aggies Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Utah State ranks 14th in assists per game (16.6) while UNLV ranks 190th in assists allowed per game (14.0).
The Runnin’ Rebels rank 100th in three pointers attempted per game (23.5) while the Aggies rank 222nd in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
Utah State ranks 18th in rebounds per game (40.5) while UNLV ranks 41st (39.0).
The Runnin’ Rebels have been outscored by an average of 0.8 points in their last five games. On the season, UNLV has defeated opponents by an average of 1.0 point.
During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 73.6 points per game (3.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.2 points per game (0.2 below their season average).
