The UNLV Rebels and Nevada Wolf Pack meet on Friday in college basketball action at Thomas & Mack Center. Here’s a UNLV vs Nevada Prediction. This article will include a UNLV vs Nevada Pick.
Nevada Wolf Pack Betting Preview
The Nevada Wolf Pack (16-12, 14-14 ATS) played very well earlier this month when they recorded four straight wins, tying their longest winning streak of the season. Following losses to Colorado State and Boise State, Nevada defeated Wyoming at home in the most recent game. The Wolf Pack are 7th in the Mountain West Standings, and considering they cannot go down, this game against UNLV will be the battle for 6th place in the conference.
Nevada is averaging 73.5 PPG (212th) and is allowing 67.5 PPG (61st). The Wolf Pack are getting 32.4 RPG (368th) and dish out 15.6 APG (69th). Nick Davidson is the team’s top scorer with 16.2 PPG, a team-high 6.3 RPG, 2.9 APG, and 1.0 BPG. Kobe Sanders adds 15.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, a team-high 4.4 APG, and a team-high 1.1 SPG, while Justin McBride contributes 8.3 PPG and 4.4 RPG.
UNLV Rebels Betting Preview
The UNLV Rebels (15-13, 11-16-1 ATS) successfully put a bad period of five consecutive defeats behind them and responded with four wins in the last five games. UNLV beat Wyoming, Air Force, Fresno State, and San Jose State, while the lone loss came to Colorado State at home. UNLV is 6th in the Mountain West Standings, and with a win here, the Rebels will likely keep that spot for the start of the conference tourney.
UNLV averages 69.6 PPG (308th) and allows 68.4 PPG (76th). The Rebels are 343rd in rebounds (33.1) and 339th in assists (12.1). Dedan Thomas Jr. leads the team with 15.6 PPG, 2.0 RPG, and a team-high 4.7 APG. Jaden Henley follows him with 11.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and a team-high 1.6 SPG, while Jailen Bedford has 10.3 PPG and 3.6 RPG.
Why Nevada will beat UNLV
- Nevada has won eight of its last nine games against UNLV following a home win.
- UNLV has lost four of its last five home games.
- Nevada has won the first half in five of its last six night games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Why UNLV will beat Nevada
- Nevada has lost five of its last six night games at Thomas & Mack Center.
- UNLV has won four of its last five games.
- Nevada has lost the first half in each of its last eight games at Thomas & Mack Center.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of UNLV’s last eight night games against Conference opponents at Thomas & Mack Center have produced a total of 133 or fewer points.
- Eighteen of Nevada’s last 21 games against Conference opponents at Thomas & Mack Center have produced a total of 135+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- UNLV ranks 22nd among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.4).
- Nevada ranks 11th among Division 1 teams for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (52.1).
- Nevada ranks 15th among Division 1 teams for opponent rebounds per game this season (30.6).
UNLV vs Nevada Prediction
I like the point total for this game (133.5). Nevada and UNL combined for 135+ points in each of the previous four H2H encounters, including the first meeting of the season when they provided 136 points. I know that these teams are not high-scoring and their defenses are actually the better part of their respective teams, but Nevada has hit the game total Over in 19 of its last 34 games, and I am going with Over in this one. I wouldn’t be surprised if this game goes to the wire and a lot of free throws late, which would help us to win this bet.