Pacific vs UNLV Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/14/24

The Pacific Tigers are visiting the UNLV Rebels on Saturday, December 14th at the Lee’s Family Forum. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Pacific Tigers vs UNLV Rebels Prediction.

UNLV Rebels Preview

The UNLV Rebels have a 4-4 record this season and are coming off a 65-83 loss to Creighton. The Rebels are 1-6-1 against the spread, and 3-5 in over/under while having a 4-1 home record this season.

Offensively, UNLV is averaging 72.9 points per game, which ranks 245th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 72.6 points per game (224th). The Rebels shoot 44.5% from the field (209th) and 37.2% from beyond the arc (59th). The Rebels shoot 73.3% from the free-throw line (131st) and are grabbing 32 rebounds per game (328th).

Dedan Thomas leads UNLV in scoring this season, with an average of 16.8 points and a team-high 3.6 assists, while Jeremiah Cherry adds 11.8 points and a team-high 6.4 rebounds.

Pacific Tigers Preview

The Pacific Tigers have a 5-6 record this season and are coming off a 61-72 loss to Illinois State. The Tigers are 4-5 against the spread, and 2-7 in over/under while having a 0-55 road record. 

Offensively, Pacific is averaging 71.9 points per game, which ranks 268th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 69.5 points per game (143rd). The Tigers shoot 44.3% from the field (214th) and 28.8% from beyond the arc (332nd). The Tigers shoot 69.7% from the free-throw line (229th) and are grabbing 39.9 rebounds per game (54th).

Elias Ralph leads Pacific in scoring with an average of 17.3 points and a team-high 8 rebounds, while Elijah Fisher adds 16.8 points and 5.2 rebounds. Pacific will meet Portland State, Idaho, and Saint Mary’s after this game.

Why the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels will win

• Pacific has lost each of its last eight road night games against non-conference opponents.
• The home team has won each of Pacific’s last six games.
• Pacific has lost the first half in each of its last six road night games against the Mountain West Conference.

Why the Pacific Tigers will win

• UNLV has lost each of its last three games.
• UNLV has lost the first half in each of its last three games against non-conference opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

• UNLV ranks 35th among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.3).
• Pacific ranks 14th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (1.8).

Pacific Tigers vs UNLV Rebels Prediction

UNLV leads Pacific 2-1 wins in their previous three meetings, but going for 1-2 against the spread. In this Pacific Tigers vs UNLV Rebels Prediction, UNLV is coming as a -12.5 home favorites. UNLV is better both offensively, scoring one point more than Pacific, while Pacific is better defensively, allowing 3.1 points less. Both teams are below average both in field goal percentage and in points scored, as they average 144 points per game combined. Both teams have been involved in lower-scoring games this season, as they are 12-5 to the under combined, and I expect this trend to continue tonight. Take the under.