UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Set to Clash with San Jose State Spartans

San Jose, California — The San Jose State Spartans are set to host the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels on Tuesday night at the Provident Credit Union Event Center, tipping off at 10:00 PM ET. Both teams are aiming to improve their standings in the Mountain West Conference as they head into the last stretch of the season.

With neither squad in strong contention for an NCAA Tournament berth, this matchup carries significant implications for confidence and momentum heading into the conference tournament. UNLV has a chance to surpass .500 in conference play, as oddsmakers favor the Runnin’ Rebels by 2.5 points on the road.

“It’s going to be a tough game,” said UNLV guard Jaden Henley. “We have to stay focused and execute our game plan.” The Runnin’ Rebels, however, face a challenge after winning only four of their first ten true road games this season.

This matchup features key players to watch, including San Jose State’s Josh Uduje, who averages 16.4 points per game and is coming off a strong performance against Wyoming. Uduje scored 18 points the last time these teams met earlier this season when UNLV won by six points.

On the defensive end, UNLV ranks 67th in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency, making them a formidable opponent for the struggling Spartans. In contrast, San Jose State falls to 219th in the same category, indicating a potential advantage for the Runnin’ Rebels.

UNLV’s defense allows opponents only 42.3 percent shooting from the field and keeps them under 69 points per game. Henley has been a consistent scorer for UNLV, hitting at least one three-pointer in eight of his last ten games. He is projected to make over one three-pointer again in this game.

Meanwhile, the Spartans are looking to boost their home record, currently standing at 6-7 at Provident Credit Union Event Center. Despite their struggles, they are hopeful that the return of injured players will help them gain momentum toward the conference tournament.

The Runnin’ Rebels are coming off a loss to Colorado State, which snapped a three-game winning streak, and they aim to regain their footing against a hungry San Jose State team. UNLV’s Dedan Thomas leads the squad with an average of 15.6 points per game.

According to Dimers’ analytics, UNLV has a 59 percent win probability against the Spartans, reflecting a strong model-based prediction favoring the Rebels. As NBA amateur betting heats up with March Madness just around the corner, this contest is pivotal for both sides.

“Our simulations indicate a very close matchup, with the final score projected at 70-68 in favor of UNLV. Expect a competitive game,” said Nick Slade, Chief Content Officer of Dimers. Fans can anticipate an exciting showdown with potential March Madness implications as both teams gear up for the clash.