It will be a battle between MWC opponents when the Nevada Wolf Pack (13-3, 2-0 MWC) welcome the Wyoming Cowboys (8-3, 1-0 MWC) to Lawlor Events Center. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 3, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 153 points with Nevada opening as an 11.5-point favorite.
Wyoming Cowboys vs. Nevada Wolf Pack Betting Prediction
The Cowboys will be looking for similar success after defeating the San Diego State Aztecs in their last game, 82-69. The Cowboys knocked down 16 of their 22 free throws (72.7 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 13.8 (better than their season average of 15.8). Wyoming was lifted by Hayden Dalton, who was the game’s leading scorer with 36 points on 10-for-17 shooting.
In the Wolf Pack’s last matchup, they barely escaped the New Mexico Lobos, 77-74. Nevada’s 6.7 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over New Mexico, who had a mark of 17.1. The Wolf Pack’s mark was better than their season average of 14.0. With 21 points and 10 rebounds, Nevada’s Jordan Caroline played well.
The productive offense of Nevada will face off against the mid-tier defense of Wyoming. The Wolf Pack currently rank 24th in offensive efficiency, while the Cowboys are 136th in defensive efficiency. The Wolf Pack should have the advantage on that end of the court.
Wyoming is 8-3 straight up (SU), but they are just 5-7 against the spread (ATS). There does not appear to be a trend for games involving the Cowboys in regards to the total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Nevada is 13-3 SU and 9-5-1 ATS. Of the Wolf Pack’s 15 games with betting action, 9 have finished over the projected point total.
Caleb Martin has averaged 16.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals over the last five games for Nevada.
After the Wolf Pack won the sole contest against the Cowboys last season, 89-74, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Wolf Pack had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.7 vs. 18.2) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.453 vs. 0.385).
Wyoming Cowboys at Nevada Wolf Pack ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Nevada, ATS Winner – Nevada, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Wyoming is 3-3 ATS on the road with 5 unders and 1 over.
At home, Nevada is 4-2 ATS with 4 overs and 2 unders.
Nevada ranks 96th in rebounds allowed per game (34.0) while Wyoming ranks 233rd (39.2).
The Cowboys average 26.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 46th in the nation. The Wolf Pack rank 145th in three pointers allowed per game (22.3).
Nevada ranks ninth in steals allowed per game (4.4) while Wyoming ranks 72nd (5.9).
The Wolf Pack average 16.9 assists per game, which ranks 38th in the NCAA. The Cowboys rank 96th in assists allowed per game (12.7).
Wyoming allows the 13th-fewest blocks per game (2.2) while Nevada ranks 38th (2.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Wyoming is 2-2 ATS with 4 overs.
Nevada is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Cowboys’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.2, up from 3.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wolf Pack have scored an average of 79.0 points per game (2.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (0.8 below their season average).
