The New Mexico Lobos (8-11, 3-3 MWC) will attempt to snap their eight-game road losing streak in a matchup against the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (13-4, 2-2 MWC) at Thomas & Mack Center. UNLV is an 8.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 163 points. Action begins at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 17, 2018.
New Mexico Lobos at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Odds Preview
The Lobos fell to the Fresno State Bulldogs in their last contest, 89-80. With 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting, Makuach Maluach was New Mexico’s leading scorer. Fresno State had an effective field goal percentage of 0.745 (above their season average of 0.558). New Mexico, on the other hand, held the Bulldogs to an offensive rebounding percentage of 9.1 (below their season average of 32.1).
The last time the Runnin’ Rebels played, they topped the Air Force Falcons, 81-76. UNLV was lifted by Jordan Johnson, who led the team in scoring with 20 points on 5-for-9 shooting. UNLV’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Air Force. The Runnin’ Rebels had a rate of 0.728 (above their season average of 0.558), while the Falcons posted a mark of 0.459.
There should be a fair amount of transition action in this showdown that showcases two of the nations more up-tempo teams. UNLV currently ranks 11th in possessions per game (76.5) and New Mexico is 54th (73.3).
In terms of the O/U total, these teams are complete opposites. New Mexico games have finished under 56.3 percent of the time, while games featuring UNLV have finished over 87.5 percent of the time. The Runnin’ Rebels have the clear advantage straight up (SU) (13-4 vs. 8-11), but both teams have similar against the spread (ATS) records. UNLV is 8-9, while New Mexico is 9-8 ATS.
Anthony Mathis has taken his game to another level over the last five games for New Mexico, averaging 13.8 points per game.
This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the last game, the Lobos won 80-77. The Lobos dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.542 and a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 44.1. The Runnin’ Rebels had marks of 0.435 and 40.0, respectively, for those same stats.
New Mexico Lobos at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – New Mexico, ATS Winner – New Mexico, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Lobos rank 40th in steals per game (7.6) while the Runnin’ Rebels rank 142nd in steals allowed per game (6.9).
- UNLV ranks 60th in blocks per game (4.3) while New Mexico ranks 98th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- New Mexico is 3-5 ATS on the road, while UNLV is 6-5 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 10 of the Runnin’ Rebels 11 home games, while 5 of the Lobos 8 road games have gone under.
- New Mexico ranks fourth in three pointers attempted per game (30.8) while UNLV ranks 261st (16.3).
- The Runnin’ Rebels rank 15th in rebounds per game (41.0) while the Lobos rank 218th in rebounds allowed per game (37.5).
- UNLV averages 17.9 assists per game, which ranks 16th in the nation. New Mexico ranks 129th in assists allowed per game (13.4).
Betting Trends:
- UNLV is 0-5 ATS with 5 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, New Mexico is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Runnin’ Rebels have been outscored by an average of 0.4 points in their last five games. For the season, UNLV has defeated opponents by an average of 13.0 points.
- During their last five games, the Lobos have scored an average of 74.2 points per game (4.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.8 points per game (1.2 below their season average).
