The No. 22 Nevada Wolf Pack (27-6, 16-3 MWC) meet the San Diego State Aztecs (20-10, 12-7 MWC) in the Mountain West Conference Tournament at Thomas & Mack Center. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
San Diego State Aztecs vs. Nevada Wolf Pack ATS Prediction
The Aztecs will be looking for a similar result after defeating the Fresno State Bulldogs in their last game, 64-52. The Aztecs knocked down 17 of their 24 free throws (70.8 percent) and held the Bulldogs to an offensive rebounding percentage of 19.4 (below their season average of 28.5). San Diego State received a boost from Trey Kell, who was the team’s leading scorer with 16 points on 5-for-12 shooting.
In the Wolf Pack’s last game, they defeated the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, 79-74. Nevada’s 7.9 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over UNLV, who had a rate of 16.0. The Wolf Pack’s mark was better than their season average of 12.5. Jordan Caroline was the game’s high scorer with 21 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the productive offense of Nevada (ninth in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 117.9) takes on the stingy defense of San Diego State (32nd in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 97.8).
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Aztecs won the most recent matchup 79-74. The Aztecs had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.3 vs. 21.9) and had a better free throw rate (0.197 vs. 0.136). Despite the loss, Caroline was the game’s leading scorer with 29 points.
San Diego State Aztecs vs. Nevada Wolf Pack Free Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – San Diego State, ATS Winner – San Diego State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Nevada ranks 74th in three pointers attempted per game (24.3) while San Diego State ranks 228th in three pointers allowed per game (23.5).
The Aztecs rank 48th in rebounds allowed per game (32.5) while the Wolf Pack rank 201st (36.1).
Nevada ranks 24th in assists per game (16.5) while San Diego State ranks 163rd in assists allowed per game (13.7).
The Wolf Pack rank eighth in steals allowed per game (4.5) while the Aztecs rank 119th (6.2).
Nevada ranks 60th in blocks per game (4.1) while San Diego State ranks 118th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Aztecs have been outscored by an average of 7.4 points in their last five games. For the season, San Diego State has defeated opponents by an average of 6.7 points.
During their last five games, the Wolf Pack have scored an average of 85.2 points per game (1.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.6 points per game (3.2 above their season average).
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