The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (6-1) go head-to-head against the Arizona Wildcats (4-3) at Thomas & Mack Center. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Arizona is a 3.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 157 points.
Arizona Wildcats vs. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Free Prediction
The last time the Wildcats played, they dismantled the Long Beach State 49ers, 91-56. The Wildcats forced 19 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.700 (above their season average of 0.578). Deandre Ayton played a pivotal role for Arizona with 13 points and nine rebounds.
The Runnin’ Rebels lost to the UNI Panthers in their last game, 77-68. UNI’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over UNLV. The Panthers had a rate of 10.4 (better than their season average of 18.5), while the Runnin’ Rebels posted a mark of 22.9 (above their season average of 15.5). With 13 points and 13 rebounds, UNLV’s Shakur Juiston had a solid game.
The offense of UNLV will go head-to-head against the top-notch defense of Arizona. Dating back to last season, the Runnin’ Rebels rank 264th in offensive efficiency, while the Wildcats are 75th in defensive efficiency. The Wildcats figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. Ball protection should be an advantage for the Wildcats. They rank 59th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 17.1 percent). Conversely, the Runnin’ Rebels have forced the 37th-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 16.7 percent).
Arizona comes into the game with records of 4-3 straight up (SU) and 2-5 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Wildcats are involved, as four of their 7 games have gone over the total.
Meanwhile, UNLV is 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS. Similarly to Arizona, games including the Runnin’ Rebels also have a tendency to finish over the total (83.3 percent).
Arizona Wildcats vs. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Arizona, ATS Winner – Arizona, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Arizona ranks fifth in rebounds allowed per game (29.9) while UNLV ranks 277th (37.7).
The Wildcats rank 65th in blocks allowed per game (2.9) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 248th (4.4).
Arizona ranks 18th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while UNLV ranks 157th (6.2).
The Runnin’ Rebels rank 203rd in three pointers attempted per game (20.4) while the Wildcats rank 304th (17.2).
UNLV ranks 137th in assists per game (14.1) while Arizona ranks 143rd in assists allowed per game (13.0).
