To wrap up the regular season, the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (16-12) will travel to Taco Bell Arena and matchup with the Boise State Broncos (17-10). Action begins at 11:00 pm ET on Tuesday, Feb. 23 and can be seen on ESU and ES3.
The Broncos are hoping for a better outcome after their 80-78 loss to New Mexico in their last game. Anthony Drmic was the game’s high scorer, contributing 30 points. The Runnin’ Rebels, meanwhile, are coming off a 102-91 win over Nevada in their last game. Patrick McCaw had a big game, posting 25 points and 18 rebounds to claim his second double-double of the season.
Over the last five games, McCaw has been on a tear for the Runnin’ Rebels. During that stretch, he has averaged 20.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.0 steals, and 3.2 three-pointers.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Runnin’ Rebels winning the first matchup 87-77. McCaw was a top performer in the victory with 25 points, four rebounds, four assists, five steals, one block, and five three-pointers.
The Broncos are looking to build on their records of 17-10 Straight Up (SU) and 12-12-1 Against The Spread (ATS). The Broncos have no trouble scoring as they rank 50th in the nation in home offense with 81.7 points per game. The Broncos are one of the best in Division I in terms of free throws made, making a superb 17.0 per game. The Boise State defense has done poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 78.6 points per game, well above their season average of 70.4.
Across the court, the Runnin’ Rebels head into the game with records of 13-14 ATS and 16-12 SU. When it comes to defending the rim, the Runnin’ Rebels are one of the best in the nation with an average of 5.4 blocks per game.
The Runnin’ Rebels’ win over Boise State in their last clash brought their SU record in their most recent games to 6-4. With a 6-4 record, the Broncos have the advantage ATS. When it comes to field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers, Boise State held the edge in all three of these categories one time in the last five meetings. UNLV never did so in those games.
Predictions: SU Winner – UNLV, ATS Winner – UNLV
Notes
Boise State averages 78.3 points per game (ranked 55th). UNLV, on the other hand, allows 70.8 points per game (ranked 127th).
Boise State scores 81.7 points per home game (ranked 50th). UNLV ranks a poor 122nd in points allowed on the road, allowing 73.8 points.
Ranked 21st, the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels have one of the top defenses in the country, giving up just 95.4 points per 100 possessions. The Boise State Broncos rank 60th in offense, scoring 111.9 points in the same number of possessions.
The Boise State Broncos average a field goal percentage of 45.4% this season. The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels are 2-3 when opponents have a FG% of 45.4% or greater.
The Boise State Broncos and the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels both rank higher in average effective field goal percentage when compared to their field goal percentages. Boise State is 105th and 65th in the nation for FG% and eFG% respectively, while UNLV is 172nd and 166th in these categories.
UNLV ranks 64th in assists, recording 15.2 per game. Boise State performs worse at 165th with 13.6 assists per game.
The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels average 5.4 blocks per game, the 20th-ranked team in the country. The Boise State Broncos rank a lowly 327th in blocking with just 2.0 per game.
Boise State ranks 271st in offensive rebounds, while UNLV ranks 53rd in defensive rebounds.
UNLV has forced an average turnover rate of 21.3% this season. In games where its turnover rate is 21.3% or higher, Boise State is an even 3-3.
