The Air Force Falcons (7-7, 1-1 MWC) will be at the Thomas & Mack Center to challenge the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (7-8, 2-0 MWC) in a MWC matchup. Action gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020, and can be seen on ESPNU.
Air Force Falcons at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Runnin’ Rebels beat the Utah State Aggies 70-53, while the Falcons won big over the UC Riverside Highlanders 105-56.
Air Force played a nearly perfect game. They had a great turnover percentage of 9.5 (better than their season average of 16.5) and a free throw rate of 0.393 (above their season average of 0.329). UC Riverside was 19.8 and 0.189, respectively, for those same stats. The Runnin’ Rebels, meanwhile, had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 42.4 (above their season average of 37.1) and held the Aggies to an effective field goal percentage of 0.346 (below their season average of 0.525). UNLV was led by Cheikh Mbacke Diong, who contributed 10 points and 14 rebounds. Ryan Swan, meanwhile had a good game for Air Force, recording 25 points.
This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Runnin’ Rebels won the last matchup 77-72. UNLV’s 0.155 free throw rate was their largest strength over Air Force, who had a rate of 0.068. This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. UNLV ranks 309th in possessions per game (66.6) and Air Force is 278th (67.7). Moreover, the Falcons rank eighth in offensive efficiency (115.1), while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 253rd in defensive efficiency (101.4).
Air Force Falcons at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Unlv, ATS Winner – Air Force, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UNLV ranks 83rd in rebounds per game (38.1) while Air Force ranks 264th (30.3).
- The Runnin’ Rebels rank 149th in three pointers attempted per game (21.9) while the Falcons rank 238th in three pointers allowed per game (26.5).
- Air Force ranks 33rd in steals allowed per game (5.4) while UNLV ranks 117th (6.8).
- The Falcons rank 29th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 136th (4.3).
- Air Force averages 14.4 assists per game, which ranks 79th in the nation. UNLV ranks 171st in assists allowed per game (13.8).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Falcons have scored an average of 89.6 points per game (11.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.6 points per game (0.2 above their season average).
- The Runnin’ Rebels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 0.9 for the season.
