Colorado State vs UNLV Prediction 2/18/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Colorado State Rams and the UNLV Rebels meet Wednesday in college basketball action from Thomas & Mack Center. Here’s a Colorado State vs UNLV prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Colorado State vs UNLV pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Colorado State Rams Betting Preview

The Rams managed to win nine of their first 11 outings this year. Colorado State lost to Utah State, Nevada, New Mexico, Fresno State, Boise State, Utah State, San Diego State and Wyoming in the next 11 matchups, however. Following wins versus San Jose State and Air Force, then another victory over Wyoming, the Rams have been able to notch a 15-10 overall record so far.

On Saturday versus Wyoming, the Rams were trailing by three points at the break 40-37. Colorado State hit a 42-28 run the rest of the way however, resulting in a nice comeback win on their home court 79-68 in the end. Jase Butler led the charge on 18 points with six assists and three rebounds while Jevin Muniz added 15 points with five rebounds and three assists for the Rams.

UNLV Rebels Betting Preview

Over on the Rebels’ side, they were sub-.500 over their first 15 outings this season. The Rebels were only 7-8 in early January, but then beat Boise State, San Jose State and Utah State in the next three. Following defeats versus San Diego State, New Mexico, Nevada and Fresno State came a win over Grand Canyon, then two more victories over San Jose State and Boise State for a 13-12 record so far.

Matched up against Boise State last Friday, the Rebels were in trouble with a 40-29 deficit by the break. UNLV rallied in the second half on a 48-37 run though, and managed to force overtime. After the extra period, the Rebels ended up with a tight 86-83 victory when the dust settle. Tops in scoring was Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn with 36 points and three rebounds alongside one assist.

Colorado State Rams @ UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Betting Trends: February 18, 2026

Why the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels will win

• Colorado State has lost each of its last seven Wednesday night road games against the Mountain West Conference.
• The home team has won eight of Colorado State’s last 10 games.
• The home team has won the first half in four of UNLV’s last five games.

Why the Colorado State Rams will win

• Colorado State has won each of its last four games at Thomas & Mack Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Colorado State vs UNLV Prediction

I’ll lean toward UNLV. The Rebels didn’t start out so well in their overtime win versus Boise State last Friday, but finished strong. UNLV shot a pretty nice 47.8 percent from the field in that one with just eight turnovers. The Rebels were pretty competitive on the boards and in the paint, but did give up 49.1 percent shooting on defense. UNLV is riding a three-game win streak right now, scoring 80 or more points in each of those victories along the way.

These teams saw each other last back on January 9 in a road loss 70-62 for the Rebels. In that one UNLV shot a tepid 40.8 percent from the field with just 60 percent (15-of-25) from the line and a 31-25 rebounding deficit. The 14 turnovers didn’t help either. The Rebels have a lot to clean up in the home rematch, but I think they can pull it off if all goes well.

Andrew Jett's Pick: UNLV Rebels -1.5