The Memphis Tigers duel the UNLV Rebels at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. ET on Mountain West Network.
In this particular matchup, the Tigers are favored by -1.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -135. The total is also set at 158 points.
Here’s my Memphis vs UNLV predictions and college basketball picks for Saturday.
Memphis vs UNLV Odds, Spread, Pick
| Memphis Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -110 | 158 110o/110u | -130 |
| UNLV Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -110 | 158 110o/110u | +110 |
- Memphis vs UNLV spread: Memphis -2
- Memphis vs UNLV over/under: 158 points
- Memphis vs UNLV moneyline: Memphis -130, UNLV +110
- Memphis vs UNLV best bet: UNLV +114
Memphis vs UNLV College Basketball Betting Preview
For full disclosure, I took Missouri earlier this week against Memphis. Penny Hardaway's bunch looked lost in the opening half, but the Tigers put together a strong second half in which they looked revitalized, resulting in a 83-75 victory.
Tulsa transfer PJ Haggerty looks like a quality pickup after scoring 25 points, and the Tigers shot 8-of-20 from 3 (including three treys from PJ Carter off the bench).
However, Hardaway's teams continue to struggle with turnovers — the main issue that's held them back from reaching their potential over the last few years.
Who can be trusted to take care of the ball against the Rebels, especially on the road? Haggerty and Tyrese Hunter combined for nine turnovers against Mizzou, and Colby Rogers fouled out.
Also, I like UNLV's roster this season.
Dedan Thomas Jr. is one year older after averaging 13.6 points per game last season, "Bear" Cherry got stronger in the offseason and looked the part in the opener against Alabama State (24 points, 11 rebounds), and UNLV has four seniors or sixth-year-players who are playing key roles.
I'm not high on Hardaway as a head coach; the Tigers have won only one NCAA Tournament game despite having one of the most talented rosters in the AAC year after year. And even though the Tigers beat Missouri, they only played well for one half.
That's not going to work against this Rebels team. This season is Kevin Kruger's best chance to lead the Rebels to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013. But they don't have many opportunities to record quality wins, especially in the non-conference.
This is one of their few chances, and they get to play on their home floor.
Advantage Rebels.
Pick: UNLV ML +114
