Nevada Wolf Pack (19-6) vs. UNLV Runnin' Rebels (13-9)
February 17, 2024 11:30 pm EDT
The Line: UNLV Runnin' Rebels +1; Over/Under: -
(Get latest betting odds)
The Nevada Wolf Pack and the UNLV Rebels meet Saturday in college basketball action from Thomas & Mack Center. Nevada is currently 19-6 overall and coming off a loss to New Mexico. As for 14-9 UNLV, they’ve won five straight, most recently over Fresno State. Let’s get into our Nevada vs. UNLV prediction. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Nevada Wolf Pack
The Wolf Pack only lost one of their first 16 games this year (to Drake) in a great start. Nevada has stumbled on a 4-5 run since then however, losing to Boise State, San Diego State, Wyoming and New Mexico (twice) with wins over Colorado State, San Jose State, Utah State and San Diego State.
Matched up against New Mexico on Tuesday, the Wolf Pack faced a 45-35 deficit going into the second half. Nevada posted a valiant 47-38 run from there but ended up losing 83-82 in the end. Tops in scoring were Nick Davidson and Jarod Lucas, each with 19 points in the defeat.
UNLV Rebels
Over on the Rebels’ side, they went .500 through 18 games with losses to Southern, Florida State, Richmond, LMU, Saint Mary’s, San Diego State, Utah State, Colorado State and Air Force. UNLV has beaten San Jose State, Fresno State (twice), Wyoming and New Mexico since then.
In the rematch with Fresno State on Wednesday, the Rebels faced a three-point deficit in the locker room. UNLV came back with a 38-33 run from there however and took the victory 67-65. Rob Whaley led the team on 17 points and five rebounds. All five starters finished in double-figures.
ANDREW’S FREE NEVADA VS UNLV PREDICTION
I’ll lean toward UNLV, but you could call this one either way. The Rebels started a bit slow in their latest win over Fresno State and only shot 12.5 percent (1-of-8) from outside with 13 turnovers. UNLV managed 54.5 percent from the field overall though, and had a 32-19 rebounding edge. That makes 77 or more points in three of the five games during this current win streak.
As for Nevada, they’ve scored 70 or more points in four straight games (a 3-1 run), beating two ranked squads during that time. The Wolf Pack should be able to bounce back well in this one, but I think UNLV is good enough to power out the cover/win at home. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Nevada control this game either, though. It’ll be a good one to watch.
