Half-time report
UNLV overcame an early deficit to regain the lead in this one. They jumped out to an early 31-23 lead against San Diego State.
UNLV came into the game with extra motivation after the loss handed to them the last time these two teams met. We’ll see if they are able to flip the script or if it will just be more of the same.
Who’s playing
UNLV Rebels @ San Diego State Aztecs
Current records: UNLV 10-7, San Diego State 11-4
How to watch
- When: Saturday January 18, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET
- Or: Viejas Arena – San Diego, California
- TV: CBS Sports Network
- Follow: CBS Sports app
- To watch on connected TV: CBS Sports app on Year And Television on fire
- Live broadcast: CBSSports.com Or fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Ticket cost: $28.00
What you need to know
San Diego State is 8-2 against UNLV since January 2020, and they will have a chance to extend that success on Saturday. The two will face off in a Mountain West battle at 8 p.m. ET at Viejas Arena. The Aztecs defense has only allowed 61.8 points per game this season, so the Rebels offense will have its work cut out for it.
San Diego State suffered a loss in the away game on Saturday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. They passed Colo. State with points to spare, winning the game 75-60.
San Diego State can attribute much of its success to Miles Byrd, who went 8 for 15 en route to 25 points plus seven steals and six rebounds. The dominant performance also gave Byrd a new career high in threes (five).
Meanwhile, UNLV hadn’t done well against Utah State recently (they were 2-8 in their previous ten games), but they didn’t let the past get in their way Wednesday. UNLV had just enough and edged Utah State 65-62. For those watching at home, this is the closest victory the Rebels have recorded since February 14, 2024.
Jalen Hill was the offensive star of the game going 7 of 9 on his way to 15 points plus eight rebounds. Julian Rishwain was another key player, collecting 13 points to go along with two steals.
San Diego State has been performing well recently as they have won eight of their last ten matchups, which has been a nice improvement to their 11-4 record this season. As for UNLV, its seventh straight home victory brings its record to 10-7.
Saturday’s game is shaping up to be a scrappy contest: San Diego State has been smashing the glass this season, averaging 37.9 rebounds per game. It’s a different story for UNLV, as its average is only 32.4. Given San Diego State’s considerable advantage in this area, UNLV will need to find a way to close that gap.
Looking ahead, San Diego State is the favorite in this one, as experts expect to see them win by 10.5 points. For those looking to play the spread, pay attention: San Diego State is playing at home, but their 2-5 record against the spread as such isn’t exactly encouraging.
Odds
San Diego State is a heavy 10.5-point favorite against UNLV, according to the latest college basketball odds.
Oddsmakers had a good idea of ​​the line for this one, as the game opened with the Aztecs as 10-point favorites.
The over/under is 131.5 points.
See college basketball picks for every game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get Picks Now.
History of the series
San Diego State has won 8 of its last 10 games against UNLV.
- March 14, 2024 – San Diego State 74 vs. UNLV 71
- March 05, 2024 – UNLV 62 vs. San Diego State 58
- January 06, 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 63
- January 26, 2020 – San Diego State 71 vs. UNLV 67
