A five-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (10-9, 5-1 MWC) when they go head-to-head against the New Mexico Lobos (15-4, 4-2 MWC) at Thomas & Mack Center. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
New Mexico Lobos vs. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Betting Odds
In their last game, the Runnin’ Rebels were victorious over the San Jose State Spartans, 98-87, while the Lobos got blown out by the Colorado State Rams, 105-72.
UNLV played a nearly perfect game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 48.1 (above their season average of 36.5) and a free throw rate of 0.500 (above their season average of 0.255). For those same stats, San Jose State put up marks of 22.0 and 0.317, respectively. New Mexico, on the other hand, forced Colorado State into a turnover percentage of 21.6 (above their season average of 17.5). UNLV was led by Cheikh Mbacke Diong, who had 12 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Zane Martin led the way for New Mexico, putting up 17 points.
The Runnin’ Rebels dominated this series last year, winning both contests. In the most recent contest, UNLV won 74-58. UNLV made 14 of their 25 three pointers (56.0 percent), while New Mexico was 6-23 (26.1 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
A focal point for the UNLV offense is getting to the free throw line. The Runnin’ Rebels rank 53rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.268), but New Mexico is among the best in the country at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking 13th by yielding a FTA rate of 0.153). Contrasting styles will be on display in this showdown. The fast-paced Lobos rank 37th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Runnin’ Rebels rank 287th.
New Mexico Lobos at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels ATS Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – New Mexico, ATS Winner – New Mexico, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- New Mexico ranks 29th in assists per game (15.9) while UNLV ranks 174th (12.4).
- The Lobos rank 14th in blocks allowed per game (2.4) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 111th (3.7).
- UNLV ranks 18th in rebounds allowed per game (30.6) while New Mexico ranks 89th (33.7).
- The Runnin’ Rebels average 22.7 three pointers per game, which ranks 115th in the NCAA. The Lobos rank 258th in three pointers allowed per game (26.9).
- New Mexico ranks 42nd in steals per game (8.2) while UNLV ranks 178th (5.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Runnin’ Rebels have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (6.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.2 points per game (0.2 below their season average).
- The Lobos have been outscored by an average of 2.2 points in their last five games. On the season, New Mexico has defeated opponents by an average of 6.1 points.
