San Diego State vs UNLV Prediction College Basketball Picks 3/14/24

UNLV (18-11) vs San Diego State (22-9)

Game Info: Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 5:30 pm (Thomas & Mack Center)

Betting Odds: UNLV Rebels +3 -- Over/Under: 133.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds

Where to Watch: CBSSN

The San Diego State Aztecs and the UNLV Rebels meet Thursday in college basketball action from Thomas & Mack Center. Let’s get into our San Diego State vs. UNLV prediction. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Pick Dawgz.

San Diego State Aztecs

The Aztecs managed to win 14 of their first 16 games this year. That said, San Diego State hasn’t won more than two consecutive games since then. In the last five, the Aztecs are 2-3 with wins over Fresno State and San Jose State among losses to Utah State, UNLV and Boise State.

In the Boise State matchup last Friday, the Aztecs came out of halftime with a 33-31 deficit. San Diego State managed to tie it up and force OT, but eventually fell 79-77 in a tough result. Leading scorer Jaedon LeDee put up 21 points with six rebounds and one assist in 40 minutes.

UNLV Rebels

Over on the Rebels’ side, they got off to a 9-9 start through late January. Since then UNLV has just two losses, however. Following a recent five-game win streak over Air Force, Colorado State, Wyoming, San Jose State and San Diego State the Rebels took a loss to Nevada.

Over the weekend versus Nevada, the Rebels took a 39-31 deficit into the second half. UNLV didn’t get any closer than that on a 36-34 run the rest of the way and lost 75-65. Topping the team in scoring during the defeat was Keylan Boone with 24 points and four rebounds.

ANDREW’S FREE SAN DIEGO STATE VS UNLV PREDICTION

I’ll lean toward UNLV. The Rebels could use a strong effort here following a tepid game versus a great Nevada team in their last outing, though. UNLV shot just 39 percent from the field in that one with a 33-28 rebounding deficit. The defense wasn’t great either, with 52.2 percent shooting allowed. The Rebels have been below 69 points in four of their last five games, however they’ve kept the opposition in check pretty well during that time.

On March 5 when these teams last met, the Rebels powered out a 62-58 victory at home. UNLV held the Aztecs to 28.1 percent shooting in that one and had a 42-36 rebounding edge but also coughed up 14 turnovers for 16 SDSU points. Provided the Rebels can improve on the ball control in this one I think they’ll be okay for the rematch cover (and maybe a win).