Pepperdine vs UNLV Prediction College Basketball Picks 11/20/24

The Pepperdine Waves are visiting the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels on Wednesday, November 20th at the Thomas & Mack Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Pepperdine Waves vs UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Prediction.

UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Preview

The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels have a 2-1 record this season and are coming off an 80-69 win over Omaha. The Rebels are 0-2-1 against the spread, and 2-1 in over/under while having a 2-1 home record.

Offensively, UNLV is averaging 82.3 points per game, which ranks 116th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 76 points per game (272nd). The Rebels shoot 47.4% from the field (115th) and 34.9% from beyond the arc (156th). The Rebels shoot 77.2% from the free-throw line (55th) and are grabbing 34 rebounds per game (285th).

Dedan Thomas leads UNLV in scoring with an average of 18 points and a team-high 3 assists, while Jeremiah Cherry adds 16.7 points and a team-high 7.3 rebounds.

Pepperdine Waves Preview

The Pepperdine Waves have a 1-2 record this season and are coming off a 62-80 loss to UC Irvine. The Waves are 1-2 against the spread, and 2-1 in over/under, while having a 0-2 road record.

Offensively, Pepperdine is averaging 71.7 points per game, which ranks 273rd in the nation. Defensively, they allow 79.3 points per game (308th). The Waves shoot 47.5% from the field (112th) and 37.5% from beyond the arc (86th). The Waves shoot 74.6% from the free-throw line (99th) and are grabbing 32 rebounds per game (322nd).

Stefan Todorovic leads Pepperdine in scoring this season, with an average of 25 points and 4.3 rebounds, while Moe Odum adds 13.3 points and a team-high 7.7 assists. Pepperdine will meet Northwestern, CSU Fullerton, and New Mexico State after this one.

Why the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels will win

• UNLV has won 15 of its last 16 night games against non-conference opponents at Thomas & Mack Center.
• Pepperdine has lost eight of its last nine games against the Mountain West Conference.
• The home team has won the first half in nine of UNLV’s last 10 games.

Why the Pepperdine Waves will win

• UNLV has lost each of its last three games following a home win.
• Pepperdine has won the first half in four of its last five games against non-conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of UNLV’s last seven games against non-conference opponents has produced a total of 149+ points.
• Seven of Pepperdine’s last eight night games against non-conference opponents have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• UNLV ranks T22nd among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (4.3).
• UNLV ranks 27th among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game this season (20.3).
• Pepperdine ranks 361st among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw percentage this season (82.2%).
• Pepperdine ranks T25th among Division 1 teams for opponent blocks per game this season (1.7).

Pepperdine Waves vs UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Prediction

In their previous meeting last season, UNLV won on the road, 82-68. In this Pepperdine Waves vs UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Prediction, UNLV is coming as -17 home favorites, and rightfully so. Pepperdine is in a bad situational spot, as they are playing their third straight road game, while UNLV has played their previous game at home, and had two extra days of rest. UNLV scores 10.6 points more than Pepperdine and allows 3.3 points per game less. In their previous meeting last year, they won by 14 points on the road, so I expect an easier win today at home. Take the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels and lay the points at home.