It will be a battle between MWC opponents when the Colorado State Rams (10-10, 3-4 MWC) welcome the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (13-5, 2-3 MWC) to Moby Arena. The game starts at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 20, 2018, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Colorado State Rams Free Prediction
The last time the Runnin’ Rebels played, they were beaten by the New Mexico Lobos, 85-81. New Mexico’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over UNLV. The Lobos had a rate of 13.0 (better than their season average of 15.3), while the Runnin’ Rebels posted a mark of 13.8. UNLV’s Shakur Juiston played well, putting up 14 points and 14 rebounds.
The Rams were beaten by the Air Force Falcons in their last outing, 76-71. One of Air Force’s largest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 14-17 (82.4 percent), while the Rams were 12-15 (80.0 percent). Colorado State’s Nico Carvacho contributed 12 points and 13 rebounds in the contest.
UNLV could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their high-octane offense faces off against one of the NCAA’s worst defenses. The Runnin’ Rebels rank 31st in offensive efficiency, while Colorado State ranks 260th in defensive efficiency.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Jordan Johnson (14.4 points, 5.2 assists and 2.0 steals) has been great for the Runnin’ Rebels while Carvacho (12.0 rebounds, 8.8 points, 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals) has made great contributions to the Rams.
After the Rams won both games against the Runnin’ Rebels last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Colorado State won 69-49. Colorado State’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest strength over UNLV. The Rams had a rate of 0.542 while the Runnin’ Rebels posted a mark of 0.339.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Colorado State Rams Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – UNLV, ATS Winner – UNLV, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
UNLV ranks 55th in three pointers allowed per game (19.7) while Colorado State ranks 262nd (25.8).
The Runnin’ Rebels rank 12th in assists per game (17.9) while the Rams rank 207th (12.1).
UNLV ranks 12th in rebounds per game (40.9) while Colorado State ranks 170th in rebounds allowed per game (36.1).
The Rams are 25th in the nation with 2.5 blocks allowed per game while the Runnin’ Rebels are 55th with 2.9 blocks allowed per game.
Colorado State ranks 118th in steals per game (6.2) while UNLV ranks 131st in steals allowed per game (6.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Runnin’ Rebels have been outscored by an average of 1.8 points in their last five games. For the season, UNLV has defeated opponents by an average of 12.1 points.
During their last five games, the Rams have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (4.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.6 points per game (1.2 above their season average).
