The UNLV Rebels and the San Diego State Aztecs meet Friday in college basketball action from Viejas Arena. Here’s a San Diego State vs. UNLV prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best San Diego State vs. UNLV pick.
UNLV Rebels Betting Preview
The Rebels managed to post a 7-8 run through their first 15 games, then took out Boise State, San Jose State, and Utah State in the next trio. UNLV lost to San Diego State, New Mexico, Nevada, and Fresno State from there before taking out Grand Canyon, San Jose State, and Boise State. After losses to Colorado State and Grand Canyon in the next four, UNLV had a 15-14 record over 29 games.
In the Utah State matchup on Tuesday, the Rebels were able to build up a good lead by halftime, posting a 32-24 run. UNLV got even better after the break on a 60-41 advantage and ended up taking the victory in the end, 92-65. Leading team scorer Kimani Hamilton put up 24 points with seven rebounds and three assists, while Howard Fleming tripled up on 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists.
San Diego State Aztecs Betting Preview
Over on the San Diego State side, they were sitting at 13-4 through 17 games this year and then lost to Grand Canyon before wins over UNLV and Colorado State. A 3-1 run with wins over Wyoming, Air Force, and Nevada came next, then an inverted 1-3 stretch with losses to Grand Canyon, Colorado State, and New Mexico. Over 28 games would give the Aztecs a 19-9 record in the books.
Matched up against Boise State in Tuesday’s game, the Aztecs were facing a 34-27 deficit going into the locker room at the break. San Diego State didn’t end up getting any closer than that on a 52-50 second half and took the loss on the road in the end, 86-77. Tops in scoring was Reese Dixon-Waters with 23 points and two rebounds, while Tae Simmons added 12 points with three boards.
Why the San Diego State Aztecs will win
- San Diego State has won 14 of its last 15 games against conference opponents at Viejas Arena.
- UNLV has lost nine of its last 11 games at Viejas Arena.
- San Diego State has won the first half in each of its last 14 games against conference opponents at Viejas Arena.
Why the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels will win
- San Diego State has lost four of its last five games.
- UNLV has won each of its last four games following a home win.
- The road team has won the first half in each of the last three games between UNLV and San Diego State.
San Diego State vs UNLV Prediction
I’ll lean toward San Diego State but it’s a coin flip. The Aztecs could really use a good effort here as well. San Diego State is just 1-4 in the last five games, giving up 72 or more points in all of those outings. The Aztecs posted a pretty ugly day on the boards against Boise State this week with a 35-14 deficit. The 52.2 percent shooting surrendered on defense in that one didn’t help matters either.
Back on January 24, when these teams last met up, the Aztecs were able to secure a road victory, 82-71. In that game, San Diego State shot a nice 56.5 percent from the field with 61.5 percent (8-of-13) from outside and 84.6 percent (22-of-26) from the line. That said, the Aztecs gave up 51 percent shooting on defense and had 13 turnovers along the way. San Diego State needs another good offensive showing—without the mistakes—in the home rematch here.