The Nevada Wolf Pack (7-0) travel to UC Irvine to take on the Anteaters (4-5) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against exceptional defense. The game is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 147.5 points with Nevada opening as an 11.5-point favorite.
Nevada Wolf Pack at UC Irvine Anteaters Betting Prediction
In the Wolf Pack’s last matchup, they blew out the Illinois State Redbirds, 98-68. The Wolf Pack, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.4, had a ridiculous mark of 35.5, while the Redbirds had a free throw rate of 0.143 (below their season average of 0.229). Nevada was lifted by Caleb Martin, who was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 7-for-10 shooting.
The Anteaters dismantled the Whittier Poets in their last game, 112-65. The Anteaters had a superb free throw rate of 0.288 (above their season average of 0.206) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 43.3 (above their season average of 35.4). With 14 points, seven assists and five rebounds, UC Irvine’s Eyassu Worku put together a solid performance.
Expect this one to be a clinic on boxing out as two of the nation’s top rebounding teams go head-to-head. The Anteaters rank 58th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.2 percent), while Nevada ranks 59th in defensive rebounding percentage (73.8 percent) dating back to the 2016-17 season. Furthermore, the 23rd-ranked offense of the Wolf Pack (offensive efficiency of 114.8) will clash against the 58th-ranked defense of the Anteaters (defensive efficiency of 98.2).
Nevada comes into the contest with records of 7-0 straight up (SU) and 7-0 against the spread (ATS). Wolf Pack games have a tendency to go over the total (71.4 percent).
Meanwhile, UC Irvine owns records of 4-5 SU and 1-6 ATS. Similarly to Nevada, games featuring the Anteaters also have a tendency to go over the O/U total (57.1 percent).
The Wolf Pack won the sole contest against the Anteaters last season, 76-69. The Wolf Pack had a much better free throw rate (0.206 vs. 0.087) and had a better turnover percentage (9.8 vs. 13.0).
Nevada Wolf Pack vs. UC Irvine Anteaters ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Nevada, ATS Winner – Nevada, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Nevada ranks 24th in assists per game (16.4) while UC Irvine ranks 194th (13.3).
The Anteaters average 40.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 12th in the NCAA. The Wolf Pack rank 156th in rebounds allowed per game (34.8).
Nevada ranks 204th in steals per game (5.7) while UC Irvine ranks 245th (5.2).
The Wolf Pack are sixth in the NCAA with 2.1 blocks allowed per game while the Anteaters are 31st with 2.7 blocks allowed per game.
Nevada averages 23.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 67th in the nation. UC Irvine ranks 86th in three pointers allowed per game (20.0).
