The Utah Runnin Utes (4-0) and the UNLV Runnin Rebels (4-0) square off in the MGM Resorts Main Event Heavyweight at T-Mobile Arena. Tip-off is set for 12:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, November 22, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN2.
UNLV Runnin Rebels vs. Utah Runnin Utes Free Preview
The Runnin Rebels dismantled the Rice Owls in their last outing, 95-68. Brandon McCoy was the games high scorer with 23 points on 7-for-11 shooting. UNLV played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.246 (matching their season average) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.5 (below their season average of 44.5). Rice was 0.110 and 26.5, respectively, for those same stats.
In the Runnin Utes last game, they topped the Ole Miss Rebels, 83-74. Utah rallied around Justin Bibbins, who was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 7-for-11 shooting. Utah dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an absurd free throw rate of 0.364 (above their season average of 0.227) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.573 (above their season average of 0.565). For those same stats, Ole Miss put up marks of 0.276 and 0.500, respectively.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Utah should have a significant edge. Since the 2016-17 season, the Runnin Utes defense ranks 34th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.467), while the UNLV offense ranks 322nd in effective field goal percentage (0.466).
UNLV Runnin Rebels vs. Utah Runnin Utes Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – UNLV, ATS Winner – UNLV, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Runnin Rebels rank 168th in steals per game (6.0) while the Runnin Utes rank 192nd in steals allowed per game (6.5).
- Utah ranks 20th in rebounds allowed per game (31.4) while UNLV ranks 269th (37.9).
- The Runnin Utes rank 29th in assists allowed per game (11.2) while the Runnin Rebels rank 166th (13.3).
- Utah ranks 117th in blocks allowed per game (3.2) while UNLV ranks 250th (4.5).
