San Jose State Spartans vs UNLV Runnin’ Rebels NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/4/25
Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Spartans and Runnin’ Rebels. The game is starting at 6:00 ET on MWN, and it’s hosted by the Runnin’ Rebels at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV. Get ready to place your bets! The odds for this Mountain West conference game currently have UNLV as the -10.5 point favorite with the over/under line sitting at 140.5 points.
SAN JOSE STATE SPARTANS VS UNLV RUNNIN’ REBELS BETTING PICK
The Pick: San Jose State Spartans +10.5
This game will be played at Thomas & Mack Center at 6:00 ET on Saturday, January 4th.
WHY BET THE SAN JOSE STATE SPARTANS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-70 in favor of the Runnin’ Rebels.
- Even though we have UNLV winning straight-up, we like San Jose State at +10.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 140.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Will the Spartans Come Through as Road Underdogs?
San Jose State’s season record dropped to 5-8 after a 72-50 loss to Colorado State on Tuesday. The Spartans, who were +3.5 underdogs, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 122 fell short of the 140.5 O/U line.
San Jose State struggled early, trailing 33-15 at halftime. While they managed to score 35 points in the 2nd half, they allowed 39, making it difficult to mount a comeback.
San Jose State struggled offensively in their last game, scoring just 50 points on 29.5% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 31.1%, and they hit only 2 of 23 three-point attempts, shooting 8.7% from deep.
The Spartans managed just 5 assists and 5 offensive rebounds, but did shoot 75% from the free-throw line. Nique Clifford led the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 72.7% from the field and 50% from three-point range.
San Jose State’s defense held strong, giving up 72 points while limiting their opponent to just 29% shooting from the field. The Spartans allowed 16 two-point baskets on 38 attempts, a 42% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, San Jose State’s defense was even more effective, as they held their opponent to just 2 three-pointers on 23 attempts, an 8% shooting performance. The Spartans also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 16 times, where they converted 12 attempts for a 75% shooting rate. San Jose State allowed 5 offensive rebounds.
Can the Runnin’ Rebels Hold Strong at Home?
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Recent Game/Games
UNLV improved to 8-5 on the season with a 77-58 road win over Air Force on Tuesday, December 31st. The Runnin’ Rebels entered the game as -7.5 favorites and covered the spread with the victory.
UNLV led 38-26 at halftime and maintained control in the 2nd half, outscoring Air Force 39-32. The total points for the game reached 135, surpassing the over/under line of 132.5.
UNLV’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, shooting 57.1% from the field and hitting 56.2% of their threes (9/16). Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 65.3%, with Jeremiah Cherry going a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor.
Julian Rishwain knocked down 4 threes, shooting 57.1% from deep, while Ethan Taylor also hit 4 threes, though at a 40% rate. Jaden Henley added 14 points, hitting his only three-point attempt, and the Runnin’ Rebels finished with 9 assists as a team.
UNLV’s defense was on point, holding their opponent to just 58 points on 33% shooting from the field. The Runnin’ Rebels were particularly effective at defending the three-point line, where they limited their opponent to 8 made threes on 35 attempts, a 22% success rate.
Even with 12 offensive rebounds allowed, UNLV managed to keep their opponent from capitalizing at the free-throw line, where they shot 60%, making 12 of 20 attempts.