The Utah State Aggies (13-2, 2-0 MWC) will be at the Thomas & Mack Center to go head-to-head with the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (6-8, 1-0 MWC) in a MWC matchup. The game starts at 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Utah State Aggies vs. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Runnin’ Rebels beat the Eastern Michigan Eagles 64-49, while the Aggies won big over the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers 129-61.
Utah State dominated every facet of the game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 43.2 (above their season average of 33.3) and a free throw rate of 0.354 (above their season average of 0.285). For those same stats, Eastern Oregon was 6.0 and 0.099, respectively. The Runnin’ Rebels, meanwhile, had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 46.3 (above their season average of 36.2), while the Eagles had a free throw rate of 0.224 (below their season average of 0.307). UNLV’s Donnie Tillman had a good game, putting up 12 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Meanwhile, Utah State received a boost from Justin Bean, who contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds.
The Aggies won the sole contest between these two teams last year, 82-65. Utah State had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.3 vs. 22.0). UNLV, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.246 vs. 0.197). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the country’s top rebounding teams face off. The Runnin’ Rebels currently rank 12th in offensive rebounding percentage (37.1 percent), while Utah State ranks 13th in defensive rebounding percentage (79.6 percent). Moreover, the 14th-ranked offense of the Aggies (offensive efficiency of 115.0) will attempt to take advantage of the 269th-ranked defense of the Runnin’ Rebels (defensive efficiency of 102.9).
Utah State vs. UNLV Odds Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Utah State, ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Utah State ranks 13th in assists per game (17.4) while UNLV ranks 187th (12.1).
- The Aggies average 21.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 148th in the country. The Runnin’ Rebels rank 177th in three pointers allowed per game (23.4).
- Utah State averages 7.1 steals per game, which ranks 119th in the NCAA. UNLV ranks 129th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
- The Aggies average 3.4 blocks per game, which ranks 63rd in the country. The Runnin’ Rebels rank 147th in blocks allowed per game (4.4).
- Utah State ranks 19th in rebounds per game (43.6) while UNLV ranks 78th (37.9).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 85.6 points per game (3.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 62.8 points per game (0.9 above their season average).
- The Runnin’ Rebels’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.6, up from 0.3 for the season.
