The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (11-12, 6-4 MWC) will be at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum to take on the Utah State Aggies (17-7, 6-5 MWC) in a MWC matchup. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Utah State Aggies ATS Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last outing. The Aggies fell to the fourth-ranked San Diego State Aztecs, 80-68, while the Runnin’ Rebels lost big to the Colorado State Rams, 95-77.
UNLV had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.1 vs. 28.0) while Utah State had a better effective field goal percentage (0.546 vs. 0.615). Sam Merrill fueled Utah State with 16 points, 12 assists and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Bryce Hamilton led the way for UNLV, contributing 28 points and five rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Cheikh Mbacke Diong led the Runnin’ Rebels to a 70-53 victory. He registered a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. UNLV had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (42.4 vs. 27.0). Utah State, meanwhile, did an excellent job of making free throws (17-21; 81.0 percent).
The Runnin’ Rebels’ Hamilton has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 25 points,5.6 rebounds,1.2 steals per game. Meanwhile, Merrill has averaged 20 points,4.2 assists during that same time frame for the Aggies.
The high-octane offense of Utah State (27th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 111.1) will go head-to-head against the bottom-tier defense of UNLV (286th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 104.6). The Aggies should have the edge on that end of the court. Moreover, the Runnin’ Rebels, who rank 11th in offensive rebounding percentage (36.7 percent), will face a tough test against the Aggies, who rank 10th in defensive rebounding percentage (77.9 percent).
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels vs. Utah State Aggies Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Utah State, ATS Winner – Utah State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Utah State ranks 14th in assists per game (16.6) while UNLV ranks 190th in assists allowed per game (14.0).
- The Runnin’ Rebels rank 100th in three pointers attempted per game (23.5) while the Aggies rank 222nd in three pointers allowed per game (23.8).
- Utah State ranks 18th in rebounds per game (40.5) while UNLV ranks 41st (39.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Runnin’ Rebels have been outscored by an average of 0.8 points in their last five games. On the season, UNLV has defeated opponents by an average of 1.0 point.
- During their last five games, the Aggies have scored an average of 73.6 points per game (3.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.2 points per game (0.2 below their season average).
