Boise State vs. UNLV Prediction and Odds (Back Broncos on Road)
By Reed Wallach
Boise State is on their way towards wrapping up the Mountain West regular season title, but must hold serve on the road against a streaking UNLV team.
Boise and UNLV met a few weeks back with the Broncos using a second half surge to knock off the Runnin' Rebels by six. However, the home underdogs are playing their best basketball of the season behind star Bryce Hamilton, are they a live underdog on Saturday night?
Here are the odds for this one from WynnBET Sportsbook:
Boise State vs. UNLV Odds, Spread and Total
Spread:
- Boise State: -2 (-110)
- UNLV: +2 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Boise State: -130
- UNLV: +110
Total: 128 (Over -110/Under -110)
Boise State vs. UNLV Prediction and Pick
I haven't been the biggest believer in Boise State this season, but think this line is a good time to sell their opponent, UNLV, who profiles as a dangerous Mountain West Tournament club but may be getting too much credit here.
Since the team fell apart in the second half on the road to BSU, the Runnin' Rebs have won three straight, two of which again formidable foes Fresno State and Colorado State, as they look to get some revenge.
UNLV's Hamilton is playing at an absurd level, who is second in the country in field goal attempt rate (he's taking more than 40% of the team's shots this season, per KenPom) and scored 32 in the loss last meeting. However, I trust Boise State's wings like Abu Kigab, among others to hang with him and make him work.
Meanwhile, the biggest edge in this game comes on the glass. Boise State is the third best defensive rebounding team in the country and not too shabby on the offensive end either, generating the third best OREB% in conference play.
UNLV for that manner is middle of the pack in defensive rebounding rate while not forcing turnovers often. Boise's offense has question marks but I trust them to get generate second chances and get to the free throw line.
Hamilton can go nuclear, but I'm going to side with the better team to win and keep pace atop the MWC standings.
PICK: Boise State -2 (-110)
All of Reed's college basketball plays can be tracked here, his best bets column for college basketball is 70-67-3 for -0.65 units.