UNLV Runnin’ Rebels vs Boise State Broncos NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/7/25
The Runnin’ Rebels and Broncos are set to face off at 10:30 ET on FS1. The Broncos will host the game at ExtraMile Arena in Boise, ID. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 140.5 points, and Boise State is favored by -7.5 to win at home against UNLV.
UNLV RUNNIN’ REBELS VS BOISE STATE BRONCOS BETTING PICK
The Pick: UNLV Runnin’ Rebels +7.5
This game will be played at ExtraMile Arena at 10:30 ET on Tuesday, January 7th.
WHY BET THE UNLV RUNNIN’ REBELS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-71 in favor of the Broncos.
- Even though we have Boise State winning straight-up, we like UNLV at +7.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 140.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 148 points.
Can the Runnin’ Rebels Pull Off a Road Win?
UNLV improved to 9-5 on the season with a 79-73 home win over San Jose State on Saturday. The Runnin’ Rebels entered the game as -10.5 point favorites but didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 152, surpassing the O/U line of 140.5.
UNLV seemed to be in control after leading 44-26 at halftime, but they allowed San Jose State to score 47 points in the 2nd half while only putting up 35 points themselves.
UNLV put up 79 points in their last game, shooting 50.9% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 56.1%. They hit 46.2% from beyond the arc, going 6-for-13, and connected on 68.2% of their free throws, making 15 of 22 attempts.
Josh Uduje led the way with 18 points, while Dedan Thomas Jr. added 17 points and 6 assists. Sadraque NgaNga contributed 11 points and a team-high 11 rebounds, hitting 2-for-2 from three-point range.
UNLV’s defense gave up 73 points in their last game, allowing the opposing team to shoot 50% from the field. They were particularly vulnerable inside, where they conceded 23 two-point baskets on 44 attempts, a 52% success rate for their opponents.
From beyond the arc, the Runnin’ Rebels allowed 6 threes on 13 attempts, with the other team hitting 46% of their shots. UNLV also sent them to the free-throw line 22 times, where they converted 15 for a 68% rate. The Rebels gave up 8 offensive rebounds in the game.
Can Boise State Secure a Home Victory?
Boise State fell to 10-4 on the season after a 76-68 loss to San Diego State on Saturday. The Broncos, who were -4 favorites at home, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 144, surpassing the O/U line of 136.5.
Boise State trailed 33-32 at halftime and couldn’t turn things around in the 2nd half, where they were outscored 43-36 by the Aztecs.
Boise State struggled from beyond the arc in their last game, hitting just 23.3% of their three-point attempts (7/30), contributing to an overall field goal percentage of 37.7%. Their effective field goal percentage was 45.3%, but they found success inside, shooting 56.5% on two-point attempts (13/23).
At the free-throw line, the Broncos were strong, connecting on 84% of their attempts (21/25). Miles Byrd led the way with 22 points, hitting 3 of 6 from deep and shooting 53.3% overall. Chris Lockett Jr. added 16 points, knocking down 3 of 8 from three-point range.
Despite Boise State’s strong defensive effort, they allowed 76 points in their last game. The Broncos held their opponent to just 37% shooting from the field, with 20 made baskets on 53 attempts.
Boise State’s defense was particularly effective from beyond the arc, where they limited their opponent to 7/30 shooting, or 23%. However, their opponent capitalized at the free-throw line, hitting 21 of 25 attempts for 84%.