Creighton Bluejays vs Unlv Rebels Picks and Predictions December 7th 2024

Creighton Bluejays vs UNLV Rebels December 7th 2024

Looking to win big? The Runnin’ Rebels and Bluejays face off at 4:00 ET on FS1. The Bluejays are hosting the game at CHI Health Center Omaha in Omaha, NE. This non-conference matchup has an over/under of 143 points, and Creighton is favored by -12 vs. UNLV.

Runnin’ Rebels vs. Bluejays Key Information

UNLV fell to 4-3 on the season after a 66-61 home loss to Northwestern on Friday. The Runnin’ Rebels entered the game as +3.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 127, coming in under the pre-game O/U line of 135.5.

UNLV trailed 26-25 at halftime and allowed 40 points in the 2nd half while scoring 36 points of their own.

UNLV’s offense struggled in their last game, scoring just 61 points with a field goal percentage of 42.1% and an effective field goal percentage of 47.4%. They hit 6 of 18 from beyond the arc, shooting 33.3% from three-point range, and connected on 70% of their free throws, going 7 for 10 from the line.

Brooks Barnhizer led the way with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, hitting 4 of 7 from deep. Dedan Thomas Jr. added 17 points, while Jalen Leach and Jailen Bedford each contributed 15 points, with Leach going 3 for 3 from three and Bedford hitting 3 of 4 from beyond the arc.

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UNLV’s defense held their opponent to 66 points on 42% shooting from the field. They allowed 18 two-point field goals on 39 attempts, a 46% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, UNLV gave up 6 threes on 18 attempts, with their opponent shooting 33% from three-point range. They also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 10 times, where they made 7 free throws for 70%.

• When looking at their past five road matchups, UNLV has an ATS record of 3-2 while averaging 72 per game. The team went 3-2 overall in these games.
• In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Runnin’ Rebels have a straight up record of 1-4 and an ATS mark of 2-3.
• Over their last five games, the Runnin’ Rebels have an over/under record of 1-4 and are 1-4 vs. the spread.

Creighton improved to 6-3 on the season with a 76-63 home win over Kansas on Wednesday. Entering the game as +4 underdogs, the Bluejays not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.

Creighton led 41-31 at halftime and maintained control in the 2nd half, outscoring Kansas 35-32. The game’s total points of 139 fell short of the 153.5 O/U line.

Creighton’s offense put up 76 points in their last game, shooting 47.2% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 58.5%. They hit 41.4% from beyond the arc, connecting on 12 of 29 attempts, and were strong at the free-throw line, making 82.4% of their shots (14/17).

Pop Isaacs led the way, hitting 6 of 9 threes and finishing with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth each added 17 points, with Ashworth contributing 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

Creighton’s defense gave up 63 points in their last game, allowing the opposing team to shoot 47% from the field, with 25 made baskets on 53 attempts. Inside the arc, they connected on 54% of their shots, going 13/24.

From three-point range, Creighton’s opponent hit 12 of 29 attempts, shooting 41%. They also made 14 of 17 free throws, an 82% success rate. Creighton limited them to 6 offensive rebounds.

In this Bluejays vs. Bluejays matchup, our point-spread bet is on the Bluejays at -12. While we project the Bluejays to win 78-68, our recommendation is to bet on the Runnin’ Rebels for the point-spread.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 143 and our model has the Runnin’ Rebels and Bluejays finishing with a combined 146 points. Our pick is to take the over.

After Stunning No. 1 Kansas, Creighton Takes on UNLV

Creighton will look to capitalize on the momentum of its shocking upset over top-ranked Kansas when it hosts UNLV on Saturday in Omaha. Meanwhile, the Runnin’ Rebels aim to avoid their third consecutive loss and recreate the magic of last year’s upset victory over Creighton.

Creighton’s Big Win Over Kansas

The Bluejays (6-3) stunned Kansas 76-63 on Wednesday, showcasing stellar defense and efficient scoring. Pop Isaacs led the charge with 27 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including six 3-pointers. Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth added 17 points each, helping Creighton secure its second consecutive win following a three-game skid.

“It’s an incredible win because of who we beat,” Creighton coach Greg McDermott said. “It’s not just a great team, it’s a great program. It’s a historic program.”

Creighton’s defense limited Kansas to just 35.7 percent shooting from the field (25-of-70), setting the tone for the victory.

Bluejays’ Standout Performers

• Ryan Kalkbrenner: Leads the team with 18.0 points and 8.8 rebounds per game while ranking second nationally in field-goal percentage (73.3%).
• Pop Isaacs: Averages 16.3 points per game and delivered a standout performance against Kansas.
• Steven Ashworth: Adds 15.8 points per game and leads the team with 5.6 assists per contest.

Creighton will look to sustain its strong form, especially after earlier stumbles, including a home loss to Nebraska and struggles at the Player’s Era tournament in Las Vegas.

UNLV’s Challenge

The Runnin’ Rebels (4-3) are coming off back-to-back losses at the Arizona Tip-Off in Tempe and remain winless against power-conference opponents this season. UNLV, however, can draw confidence from last year’s 79-64 upset over then-No. 8 Creighton in Nevada.

“We’ve just got to keep problem-solving,” UNLV coach Kevin Kruger said. “You have to string a lot of really good possessions together against top teams.”

Runnin’ Rebels’ Key Players

• Dedan Thomas Jr.: The reigning Mountain West co-freshman of the year leads UNLV with 16.6 points and 3.9 assists per game.
• Jeremiah “Bear” Cherry: Averaging 12.9 points and a team-high 6.7 rebounds while shooting 72 percent from the field, ranking third nationally.

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UNLV’s ability to contain Kalkbrenner and execute offensively will be critical against a Creighton team riding high on confidence.

Head-to-Head

Creighton holds the historical edge, but last year’s matchup in Nevada went UNLV’s way, giving the Runnin’ Rebels a blueprint for success. Both teams boast efficient big men, with Cherry and Kalkbrenner ranking among the nation’s leaders in field-goal percentage, setting up an intriguing frontcourt battle.

What’s at Stake

For Creighton, this game is an opportunity to continue its climb back into the Top 25 and maintain momentum after a marquee win. For UNLV, a victory would not only halt a losing streak but also prove the Rebels can compete with high-caliber programs.

The action tips off Saturday in Omaha, where Creighton looks to defend its home court and UNLV aims to spring another upset.