UNLV vs San Diego State

Written by Anthony Moretti

Oddsmakers always have to factor in the “bracket buster” teams when figuring out the NCAA Basketball Tournament Odds, and with UNLV’s history, it’s funny to think of them in this group. The Rebels are looking to get back to the big dance, but they stumbled at home against a conference rival, and now they’ll meet another Mountain West foe who is right on their heels when they head to San Diego State on Saturday night.

UNLV vs San Diego State – Saturday, February 13, 4:00 PM ET

The No.23 Rebels (19-5, 7-3) fell down by 12 at the half, and could no bounce back in a 76-66 loss at home to New Mexico on Wednesday. Oscar Bellfield had 15 points to pace UNLV, while Tre’Von Willis was next with 13 points. The Rebels lost this game on the boards as they were out-rebounded 41-20 by the Lobos, while making 10 of their 30 three-point attempts, and only six of their 11 chances at the charity stripe. After a big win over BYU, the Rebels may have been a bit fatigued heading into the New Mexico game, but that’s still no excuse.

After a tough overtime loss at New Mexico, the Aztecs (17-7, 6-4) came back to whip Wyoming by a score of 88-57, but this was only an eight-point game at halftime. It was an early second-half run that put this game in the control of San Diego State, who shot 52.4% from the field and out-rebounded Wyoming 40-27. The Aztecs also forced 20 turnovers, which made up for the 14 of their own. Kawhi Leonard lit up the night with 26 points, while Chase Tapley added 14 points for the Aztecs.

The Aztecs will probably be the favorites at home, where they are 11-1, and while UNLV is 8-1 on the road, the Rebels have dropped four of their last five trips to San Diego State, who would love to avenge a 76-66 loss at UNLV on January 13th. The Rebels overcame a six-point halftime deficit, and Willis had a game-high 23 points. The Aztecs shot themselves in the foot with 20 turnovers, and you can bet they’ll be more careful with the ball on Saturday. San Diego State was also 2-of-16 from three-point land, and 16-of-28 from the free-throw line. San Diego State can pull even with UNLV in the Mountain West, behind New Mexico and BYU, and they’re going to need big games from the likes up Leonard, who had 13 in the first meeting, and the guard duo of Tapley and D.J. Gay, who combined for 14 points and nine turnovers. Look for them to be much better at home.

Free Pick: Take San Diego State

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