Saturday Predictions: #14 San Diego State at #16 UNLV
By Blake Lovell
Our predictions roll right along here on Busting Brackets, as we’ve already given you our thoughts on Baylor vs. Missouri and Virginia vs. North Carolina.
Next, we touch on a game that may be flying under the radar. However, it pits two teams eager to make a push at a Top 10 ranking.
Let’s get to the predictions!
#14 San Diego State at #16 UNLV – 4 PM ET
Jamal Murphy – One of the country’s biggest surprises, San Diego State has won 11 of their last 12 games and current sit in first place in the underrated Mountain West. Steve Fisher will receive National Coach of the Year consideration, while sophomore guard Jamaal Franklin should receive All-America consideration for leading the Aztecs in both scoring and rebounding.
The resurgent Rebels have won 12 of 14, with the two losses coming in a buzzer-beater at SDSU in January and their last time out, at Wyoming.
UNLV should be smarting from both losses and eager to show that they are the class of the conference. The Rebels are undefeated at home, so look for them to get their revenge.
Prediction: UNLV 73, San Diego State 66
Blake Lovell – UNLV will be looking for some payback in this one, as San Diego State knocked them off last time around with the aforementioned buzzer beater that my partner mentioned.
This game is also important for UNLV considering that they’re coming off of a loss that wasn’t expected at Wyoming. I would expect the Rebels to come out with a lot of emotion and energy and really take it to the Aztecs early on.
But I fully expect this one to be a nail-biter down the stretch, with a play here or there deciding the game for one team. UNLV can’t let this opportunity slip by and fall two games back of San Diego State. They’ll find a way to get the victory.
Prediction: UNLV 75, San Diego State 70
Who are you picking in tonight’s Mountain West showdown?