The Mountain West Conference was electric last year when Brigham Young and San Diego State did battle. UNLV and San Diego State will try to carry the baton this season in the Rockies.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels @ San Diego State Aztecs – Saturday, January 14
Sports betting line: No line
Why UNLV Will Win
The college basketball betting experts who are gearing up for a big weekend of basketball are going to be focused on this clash in San Diego, California. UNLV is the Mountain West team with a virtually airtight NCAA Tournament resume. If theres any team which seems like a lock for the NCAA Tournament right now, its UNLV. The Rebels have a resume thats loaded with huge wins, especially that mileage-carrying win in late November against mighty North Carolina. This past week, we didnt get to see how UNLV would fare against the rest of the Mountain West, but that’s because this team is pacing itself for the battles that lie ahead. It’s time for this team – which has proven itself in the crucible of crunch time over the first two months of the season – to show how good it can be within the confines of conference competition. As the Rebels to go up against San Diego State in one of the matchups that will begin to give life to the Mountain West season, they should be fresh and rested. This is a team that can shoot the lights out from the perimeter and thrive in the face of formidable opposition. San Diego State doesn’t have the size or strength of last year’s deep and rugged Sweet 16 team, so UNLV has a great chance to go to San Diego and win.
Why San Diego State Will Win
When you do your homework and assess your best sportsbook on this game, you have to take into account the fact that San Diego State will be playing with a little more urgency. While UNLV has that win over North Carolina, SDSU can’t feel quite as certain about its NCAA Tournament chances. Playing this mid-January game at home, the Aztecs know they need to register a win in order to feel comfortable about their NCAA hopes. This is a moment that coach Steve Fisher’s team can’t turn away from; the boys of the Montezuma Mesa have to be at their best, and that brings about a great deal of pressure, but the good part of the equation for the Aztecs is that with pressure comes passion. San Diego State is the better defensive team in this matchup; UNLV wants a high-scoring, fast-paced contest, but it’s the Aztecs who stand to benefit from a grinder played at a plodding halfcourt pace. Since it’s always easier to slow a game down than to speed it up, San Diego State can thrive.
Who Will Win
It’s not just the location, or the tempo, or the urgency; it’s a combination of all three factors at the same time. UNLV is a more talented team, but all the intangibles point San Diego State’s way in this one.
College Basketball Betting Pick: San Diego State