The Pacific Tigers (5-6) will be at home in Spanos Center when they meet the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (8-2). UNLV is a 6-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 158.5 points. Action gets underway at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels vs. Pacific Tigers Betting Preview
In the Runnin’ Rebels’ last contest, they were victorious over the Illinois Fighting Illini, 89-82. With 22 points and 10 rebounds, Brandon McCoy had a solid outing for UNLV. UNLV played a nearly flawless game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.660 (above their season average of 0.277) and a turnover percentage of 14.4 (better than their season average of 16.9). Illinois was 0.164 and 17.9, respectively, for those same stats.
The Tigers are hoping for a better outcome after their 86-72 loss to the Wyoming Cowboys in their last outing. With 17 points and six rebounds, Pacific’s Kendall Small had a good outing. Wyoming was lights out from beyond the arc (12-27; 44.4 percent). Pacific, meanwhile, held the Cowboys to an offensive rebounding percentage of 9.7 (below their season average of 17.9).
The inefficient offense of Pacific will face off against the stingy defense of UNLV. The Tigers rank 260th in offensive efficiency, while the Runnin’ Rebels are 48th in defensive efficiency. The Runnin’ Rebels should have the edge on that end of the court. It will also be a matchup of contrasting styles as the fast-breaking Runnin’ Rebels rank sixth in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Tigers rank 267th.
Games involving these teams tend to go over the O/U total. UNLV games have gone over 88.9 percent of the time, while 70.0 percent of Pacific games have gone over. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Runnin’ Rebels have a significant advantage. They are 8-2 SU and 8-2 ATS, while the Tigers are 5-6 SU and 3-6-1 ATS.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Pacific Tigers Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – UNLV, ATS Winner – UNLV, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Runnin’ Rebels rank second in rebounds per game (45.2) while the Tigers rank 120th (36.3).
- Pacific ranks 39th in steals allowed per game (5.8) while UNLV ranks 154th (6.9).
- UNLV ranks fourth in assists per game (19.6) while Pacific ranks 191st (13.6).
- The Runnin’ Rebels rank 34th in three pointers allowed per game (18.7) while the Tigers rank 170th (23.5).
- UNLV ranks 37th in blocks per game (4.8) while Pacific ranks 170th (4.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Tigers average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.6, up from 2.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Runnin’ Rebels have scored an average of 87.6 points per game (3.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 79.6 points per game (6.7 above their season average).
