UNLV vs. Boise State Picks, Predictions, Odds

The Boise State Broncos are looking to make it to the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons for just the second time in program history. Boise State is 20-6 with several impressive wins on their resume this year, and the Broncos have won 12 straight home games.

The Broncos hammered the UNLV Rebels by 18 points in Las Vegas back on January 11, and they could close as double-digit favorites by the college basketball betting odds over UNLV in the Gem State on Sunday night.

On Sunday, February 19, 2023, the UNLV Rebels will head north to face the Boise State Broncos at ExtraMile Arena in Boise, Idaho. Tip-off is slated for 9 p.m. ET with FS1 on the broadcast.

UNLV Rebels vs. Boise State Broncos Betting Prediction

Boise State is one of the best defensive teams in the nation. The Broncos rank in the top ten nationally in defense per Ken Pomeroy, and they have been excellent with their perimeter defense.

Additionally, they don't allow opponents to get many second chances on the offensive glass, so it won't be easy for UNLV to score points in this one. Look for Boise to cruise to a rather easy win here as the Rebels are just 5-9 in conference play.

Prediction: Boise State 79, UNLV 66
Best Bet: Boise State -7

UNLV Runnin' Rebels vs. Boise State Broncos Betting Odds

UNLV Runnin' Rebels vs. Boise State Broncos Betting Resources

Date: Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023
TV-Time: FS1, 9:00 p.m. ET
Venue: ExtraMile Arena
Location: Boise, Idaho
Matchup
Expert Picks

MWC Tournament Odds

UNLV Runnin' Rebels vs. Boise State Broncos Betting Stats

UNLV Runnin' Rebels
SU: 16-10
ATS: 13-12
O/U: 18-7
PPG: 75.5
OPPG: 69.2

Boise State Broncos
SU: 20-6
ATS: 14-10-1
O/U: 12-13
PPG: 72.0
OPPG: 61.9

Straight Up (SU), Against the Spread (ATS), Over-Under (O/U)
Points Per Game (PPG), Opponents Points Per Game (OPPG)

Updated on 11/19/2024

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Boise State Broncos Betting Analysis

Tyson Degenhart is having a great season for Boise State. He leads the Broncos with 14.6 PPG and is making 54.9% of his field goals. Degenhart had a very good outing when Boise State crushed UNLV earlier this year, finishing with 17 points, 12 rebounds (six offensive), and six assists.

The top performer on Boise State this season is probably Marcus Shaver though. Shaver is filling the stat sheet as a tall guard with 13.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 4.0 APG. He isn't a very efficient scorer, making just 38.6% of his field goals and 28.2% of his threes, but he is an elite perimeter defender.

Max Rice is the best three-point shooter on the team. Head coach Leon Rice's son is knocking down 41.3% of his treys and is averaging 13.4 PPG and 4.5 RPG. Rice is an elite free throw shooter too, hitting 91.3% from the foul stripe to this point. Additionally, Chibuzo Agbo is making 39.7% of his threes and 82.1% of his free throws.

The Broncos really shine on defense though. Boise State ranks 26th in defensive field goal percentage and 17th in three-point defense. This team isn't very deep with the starters all averaging at least 27 MPG, and that's a concern come NCAA Tournament time. Their lack of size is a potential issue to as none of their starters are taller than 6'7.

UNLV Rebels Betting Analysis

E.J. Harkless is the main playmaker for UNLV. Harkless is averaging 18.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 3.4 APG in his third stop in the last four years, but he has to take a lot upon himself given the lack of talent on the Rebels. That has led to him making just 40.5% of his field goals and 27.7% of his threes. Harkless was just 5-18 in the first game against Boise State and must shoot better from the floor if UNLV is going to pull off the upset here.

Justin Webster has been the most effective three-point shooter on UNLV so far this season. Webster is hitting 46.8%, as he has rediscovered the shooting touch he had during his time at Hawaii. He might need to shoot more often though as Keyshawn Hall is injured, and Jackie Johnson III is hurt too.

The key for UNLV in this game will be to force a lot of turnovers. The Rebels rank second nationally in turnovers forced, and their top three guards are combining to average 5.4 SPG. However, as with Boise State, this team doesn't have a lot of size.