The Pacific Tigers (5-6) meet the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (8-2) at Spanos Center. The game begins at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 158.5 points with UNLV set as a 6-point favorite.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels vs. Pacific Tigers Free Prediction
The last time the Runnin’ Rebels played, they topped the Illinois Fighting Illini, 89-82. The Runnin’ Rebels had an absurd free throw rate of 0.660 (above their season average of 0.277), while the Fighting Illini had a turnover percentage of 17.9 (above the 14.2 mark opponents have averaged against UNLV this season). UNLV was lifted by Brandon McCoy, who had 22 points and 10 rebounds.
The Tigers lost to the Wyoming Cowboys in their last outing, 86-72. Wyoming’s 0.613 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Pacific, who had a mark of 0.467. The Cowboys’ mark was above their season average of 0.501. Pacific’s Kendall Small had 17 points and six rebounds in the contest.
The ineffective offense of Pacific will face off against the top-notch defense of UNLV. The Tigers rank 260th in offensive efficiency, while the Runnin’ Rebels are 48th in defensive efficiency. The Runnin’ Rebels figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. This game should be a battle of opposite tempos. The fast-paced Runnin’ Rebels rank sixth in possessions per game, while the more methodical Tigers rank 267th.
UNLV holds records of 8-2 straight up (SU) and 8-2 against the spread (ATS). Runnin’ Rebels games have typically finished over the total (88.9 percent).
Meanwhile, Pacific is 5-6 SU and 3-6-1 ATS. Coinciding with UNLV, games featuring the Tigers also have a tendency to finish over the projected point total (70.0 percent).
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Pacific Tigers Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – UNLV, ATS Winner – Pacific, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
UNLV ranks fourth in assists per game (19.6) while Pacific ranks 191st (13.6).
The Runnin’ Rebels rank 34th in three pointers allowed per game (18.7) while the Tigers rank 170th (23.5).
UNLV ranks 37th in blocks per game (4.8) while Pacific ranks 170th (4.0).
The Runnin’ Rebels rank second in rebounds per game (45.2) while the Tigers rank 120th (36.3).
Pacific ranks 39th in steals allowed per game (5.8) while UNLV ranks 154th (6.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Runnin’ Rebels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.0, down from 18.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 76.2 points per game (0.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 67.6 points per game (5.4 below their season average).
