San Diego State Aztecs vs. UNLV Runnin' Rebels Preview and Pick

San Diego State Aztecs + 4 (15-5) 11-4 ATS, 6-9 O/U at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels - 4 (17-4) 9-9 ATS, 7-10 O/U Las Vegas, Nevada, Tuesday, February 3, Tarkanian Court, Thomas & Mack Center (18,500) 10:30 EST

By Wilson of Predictem.com

Las Vegas, Nevada is no stranger to fast paced action, and tonight’s contest between the Rebels and the Aztecs should satisfy the local loyal fans as well as the road trippers who really are just looking for a reason to spend some time in Sin City! Ok, maybe not all are traveling in need of a “changing $100” fix, but the game will a good one if the stats prove to be legit. Both of these teams are playing well and have only dropped 9 games between the two squads.

San Diego is averaging 69 points per game and only allowing 59 to their opponents. They are 4-2 ATS on the road this season and 3-2 O/U as visitors. The Aztecs come in as 4 point dogs but 4 points in hoops is nothing to sweat over unless you’re in over you’re head. Sports bettors don’t get in too deep, do they?

The Aztecs are 3-2 in their last five contests. A win over the Rebels would boost the ego and launch San Diego into February with an eye on a potential shot for the big dance. The Aztecs recently welcomed back Lorrenzo Wade who was out indefinitely due to a suspension based on an earlier burglary charge. Wade scored a game high 25 points in the Aztecs latest win over Colorado State 78-59.

The Runnin’ Rebels are coming off of a 59-38 victory over Air Force. Senior guard, Wink Adams, leads the Rebels in scoring with 13.8 per game, but he is capable of putting up much more as he has recorded four 20-point or more games already this season.

UNLV is racking up the victories as of late by winning four in a row and 12 of their last 14 games. Tonight they will attempt to push their win streak to five by defending Tarkanian Court inside the Thomas and Mack Center. Both of these teams matchup well on paper, but will the recent prime-time play of Lorrenzo Wade be too much for the Rebels in their own house? The sportsbooks have tightened the line to just four points; it may be closer than that. If I lived in Vegas I would find a way to go watch this game in person as it should live it up to its host city’s reputation of entertainment!

The O/U is currently 131 which should be within reason. These teams will be fired up all night which just may push towards the over in this contest. I can see Runnin’ Rebels actually running a lot and San Diego will do the same. I wouldn’t be surprised to see both teams in the 80’s.

Of course this game also has first place implications on the line as UNLV, San Diego, and Utah are all in a three-way tie for the Mountain West Conference lead. All three teams hold a 5-2 record at the moment. Tonight’s game will definitely set the pace for the second half of the season.

With the point spread somewhat tight and the O/U 131, in my opinion, favoring the over, you may want to keep an eye some other factors. The team that crashes the boards on offense usually gets the “W”, that being said, UNLV is No. 2 in the league for offensive rebounds at 10.57 per game while San Diego is No.1 on O-boards with 11.43 per contest. You should witness a great battle down low. Also, San Diego forward, Rene’ Rougeau is coming off his first scoreless effort in 43 games, and this is a guy who averages 10 ppg! This can either hurt the Aztecs or help them depending on how he reacts in tonight’s game…mental is the key here. As for the Rebels, they’re at home, which is always a bonus, but the big worry might be on the charity stripe where they are just 65% on the season. We all know in a close game, which this has the potential to be- you gotta knock down the freebies!

Wilson’s Pick: Hey Las Vegas is my home away from home baby! Rebels win but don’t cover the spread. The over looks like the best bet…luck to ya.

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