The Nevada Wolf Pack (6-0) are off to a hot start and will try to stay unbeaten when they clash against the Illinois State Redbirds (3-3) at Lawlor Events Center. Nevada opened as a 13-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 146.5 points. Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 29, 2017.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Nevada Wolf Pack ATS Preview
The Redbirds lost a close one to the Charleston Southern Buccaneers in their last game, 64-62. Illinois States Phil Fayne put together a solid performance, recording 13 points and 13 rebounds. Charleston Southern had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.0 vs. 31.0). Illinois State, meanwhile, did an excellent job of making free throws (14-17; 82.4 percent).
The last time the Wolf Pack played, they topped the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, 67-54. Nevadas Cody Martin played a pivotal role with 16 points and seven rebounds. Nevada dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.360 (above their season average of 0.318) and a turnover percentage of 14.9 (worse than their season average of 14.0). For those same stats, Hawaii put up marks of 0.212 and 21.7, respectively.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Nevada takes on the stingy defense of Illinois State. Since the 2016-17 season, the Wolf Pack rank 24th in offensive efficiency, while the Redbirds are 12th in defensive efficiency. Moreover, the Redbirds rank 321st in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.204), while the Wolf Pack rank 30th in opponents FTA rate (0.195).
Games involving these teams have a tendency to finish over the projected point total. Illinois State games have finished over 66.7 percent of the time, while 66.7 percent of Nevada games have gone over. The Wolf Pack come into this game with a significant advantage in terms of straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records. They are 6-0 SU and 6-0 ATS, while the Redbirds are 3-3 SU and 2-1 ATS.
Illinois State Redbirds vs. Nevada Wolf Pack Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Nevada, ATS Winner – Illinois State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Redbirds rank 36th in blocks per game (4.8) while the Wolf Pack rank sixth in blocks allowed per game (2.2).
- Illinois State ranks 37th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while Nevada ranks 194th (13.7).
- The Wolf Pack rank 48th in rebounds per game (38.4) while the Redbirds rank 196th in rebounds allowed per game (35.8).
- Nevada averages 23.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 67th in the nation. Illinois State ranks 199th in three pointers allowed per game (22.0).
