Who’s playing
UNLV Rebels @ San Diego State Aztecs
Current record: UNLV 10-7, San Diego State 11-4.
How to watch
When: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 8:00 PM ET Location: Viejas Arena — San Diego, California Television: CBS Sports Network Follow: CBS Sports App Watch on Connected TV: CBS Sports App Live on Roku and Fire TV Stream: CBSSports.com or fuboTV (try it) for free. Regional restrictions may apply. )Ticket price: $28.00
What you need to know
San Diego State is 8-2 against UNLV since January 2020 and will have a chance to extend that success Saturday. The two sides will face off against the Mountain West at Viejas Arena starting at 8 p.m. ET. The Aztecs’ defense has allowed just 61.8 points per game this season, so the Rebels’ offense will have their work cut out for them.
San Diego State played on the road on Saturday and lost, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. They easily cruised past Colorado State and won the game 75-60.
Much of San Diego State’s success was due to Miles Byrd, who went 8-for-15 with 25 points, seven steals and six rebounds along the way. This dominant performance gave Bird a career-high 3-for-5.
Meanwhile, UNLV hasn’t had a great showing in recent matches against Utah State (2-8 in the last 10 meetings), but they didn’t let the past get in their way on Wednesday. UNLV had enough to defeat Utah State 65-62. For those keeping track at home, this is the Rebels’ closest win since February 14, 2024.
Jalen Hill was outstanding offensively in this game, scoring 15 points on 7-for-9 and grabbing 8 rebounds. Julian Richwein was also a key player, scoring 13 points in addition to two steals.
San Diego State has been on a roll lately, winning eight of their last 10 games and improving on their 11-4 record this season. UNLV has won seven straight games at home, improving its record to 10-7.
Saturday’s game is shaping up to be a tight contest. San Diego State is averaging an impressive 37.9 rebounds per game this season. However, UNLV averages only 32.4 points, so it’s a different story. Considering San Diego State has a significant advantage in this area, UNLV will need to find a way to close the gap.
Looking ahead, San Diego State is the favorite to win this game, as experts predict San Diego State to win by 10.5 points. Be careful if you want to play the spread. San Diego State is playing at home, but a 2-5 record against the spread isn’t exactly encouraging in itself.
odds
San Diego State is a 10.5-point favorite against UNLV, according to the latest college basketball odds.
Oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this game, as the game started with the Aztecs as 10-point favorites.
The over-under is 131.5 points.
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Series history
San Diego State has won eight of its last 10 games against UNLV.
March 14, 2024 – San Diego State 74 vs. UNLV 71 March 5, 2024 – UNLV 62 vs. San Diego State 58 January 6, 2024 – San Diego State 72 vs. UNLV 61 February 11, 2023 – San Diego State 82 vs. UNLV 71 December 31, 2022 – San Diego State 76 vs. UNLV 67 January 24, 2022 – San Diego State 80 vs. UNLV 55 January 1, 2022 – San Diego State 62 vs. UNLV 55 March 3, 2021 – San Diego State 71 vs. UNLV 62 February 22, 2020 – UNLV 66 vs. San Diego State 63Jan 26, 2020 – San Diego State 71 vs. UNLV 67
