The Utah State Aggies (16-5, 6-2 MWC) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they take on the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (11-9, 5-3 MWC) at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum. The game is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels vs. Utah State Aggies Free Prediction
The last time the Runnin’ Rebels played, they were beaten by the No. 8 Nevada Wolf Pack, 87-70. Nevada was effective at getting to and converting from the free throw line. The Wolf Pack made 28 of their 32 free throws (87.5 percent), while the Runnin’ Rebels were just 13-20 (65.0 percent). Kris Clyburn led UNLV in scoring with 23 points on 10-for-20 shooting.
The Aggies had no trouble getting past the San Jose State Spartans in their last matchup, 103-73. The Aggies had a solid turnover percentage of 8.8 (better than their season average of 16.7) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.8 (above their season average of 32.5). Sam Merrill was the top scorer from either team with 29 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the field.
After the Aggies won both matchups against the Runnin’ Rebels last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent game, Utah State won 79-67. The Aggies had a much better turnover percentage (14.6 vs. 20.9) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.1 vs. 23.1).
Utah State could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they battle against one of the worst offenses in the NCAA. The Aggies currently rank 14th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.451), while UNLV is 255th in effective field goal percentage (0.494). Also, the Runnin’ Rebels rank third in offensive rebounding percentage (39.4 percent), while the Aggies rank third in defensive rebounding percentage (78.3 percent).
UNLV at Utah State Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Utah State, ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UNLV ranks 10th in three pointers allowed per game (17.9) while Utah State ranks 152nd (22.8).
The Aggies rank 15th in assists per game (17.3) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 152nd (13.3).
Utah State averages 40.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 15th in the country. UNLV ranks 97th in rebounds allowed per game (33.6).
The Aggies average 7.0 steals per game, which ranks 83rd in the nation. The Runnin’ Rebels rank 133rd in steals allowed per game (6.7).
UNLV ranks 56th in blocks per game (4.2) while Utah State ranks 89th in blocks allowed per game (3.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Runnin’ Rebels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.4, down from 2.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 82.0 points per game (2.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (0.1 below their season average).
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