The UNLV Runnin Rebels (5-0) are off to a hot start and will try to remain undefeated when they clash with the Southern Utah Thunderbirds (2-2) at Thomas & Mack Center. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 162.5 points with UNLV set as a 25.5-point favorite. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 25, 2017.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs. UNLV Runnin Rebels Free Preview
The last time the Thunderbirds played, they defeated the Benedictine Mesa Redhawks, 85-68. With 19 points and 15 rebounds, Jamal Aytes put together a solid game for Southern Utah. Southern Utah played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.296 (below their season average of 0.333) and a turnover percentage of 15.2 (worse than their season average of 13.8). For those same stats, Benedictine Mesa was 0.177 and 23.8, respectively.
The Runnin Rebels hope to maintain momentum after thoroughly outplaying the Utah Runnin Utes in their last outing, 85-58. UNLV was lifted by Brandon McCoy, who was the top scorer from either team with 26 points on 9-for-14 shooting. UNLV played a nearly perfect game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.2 (below their season average of 43.6) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.540 (below their season average of 0.571). Utah recorded marks of 23.8 and 0.367, respectively, for those same stats.
Since the 2016-17 season, a focal point for the Southern Utah offense has been to get to and convert from the free throw line. The Thunderbirds rank fourth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.319), but UNLV has been among the best in the nation at keeping opponents away from the charity stripe (ranking 34th by yielding a FTA rate of 0.197).
The Thunderbirds have had records of 8-29 straight up (SU) and 15-15-3 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Games featuring Southern Utah have had a tendency to go over the O/U total since last season (54.5 percent).
The Runnin Rebels, meanwhile, are 16-21 SU and 18-16-3 ATS since last season. UNLVs games have had no tendency in regards to the O/U total over that same stretch as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
The Runnin Rebels won the only game against the Thunderbirds last season, 89-81. The Runnin Rebels played a nearly flawless game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.404 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.2. The Thunderbirds were 0.233 and 13.5, respectively, for those same stats.
Southern Utah Thunderbirds at UNLV Runnin Rebels Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – UNLV, ATS Winner – Southern Utah, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Thunderbirds average 3.3 blocks per game, which ranks 154th in the nation. The Runnin Rebels rank 249th in blocks allowed per game (4.5).
- UNLV ranks 25th in rebounds per game (39.3) while Southern Utah ranks 258th in rebounds allowed per game (37.5).
- The Thunderbirds rank 45th in three pointers attempted per game (24.7) while the Runnin Rebels rank 192nd (20.5).
- UNLV ranks 142nd in assists per game (13.9) while Southern Utah ranks 278th (11.5).
