Dayton Flyers vs Unlv Rebels Picks and Predictions December 17th 2024

Dayton Flyers vs UNLV Rebels December 17th 2024

The Runnin’ Rebels and Flyers are set to face off at 7:00 ET on PEAC. The Flyers will host the game at UD Arena in Dayton, OH. The over/under for this game is set at 141 points, and Dayton is favored by -11.5 against UNLV in a non-conference matchup.

Runnin’ Rebels vs. Flyers Key Information

UNLV improved to 5-4 on the season with a 72-65 win over Pacific on Saturday. The Runnin’ Rebels were -12.5 favorites heading into the home game but didn’t cover the spread.

UNLV led 34-29 at halftime and scored 38 points in the 2nd half while allowing 36. The game’s total points of 137 fell just under the 138.5 O/U line.

In their latest game, UNLV put up 72 points, shooting 44.8% from the field and hitting 8 of 18 threes at a 44.4% clip. Their effective field goal percentage was 51.7%, and they connected on 75% of their free throws, going 12 for 16.

Julian Rishwain led the way with 21 points, knocking down 5 of 7 threes and shooting 63.6% overall. Elias Ralph added 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Dedan Thomas Jr. contributed 16 points and 5 assists. The Runnin’ Rebels also grabbed 12 offensive rebounds and dished out 16 assists as a team.

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UNLV’s defense gave up 65 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 44% from the field on 26 of 58 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 18 two-point baskets on 40 tries, a 45% shooting rate.

From three-point range, UNLV’s opponents hit 8 of 18 shots, good for 44%. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 16 times, where they made 12, shooting 75%. UNLV gave up 12 offensive rebounds.

The Flyers Can Win If…

Dayton improved to 8-2 on the season with a 71-63 win over Marquette on Saturday. The Flyers, who were -1 favorites, covered the spread with the victory.

Dayton trailed 36-26 at halftime but turned things around in the second half, outscoring Marquette 45-27. The combined points of 134 fell short of the 149.5 O/U line.

Dayton’s offense put up 71 points in their last game, shooting 47.5% from the field. They were strong inside, hitting 59.5% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 4 of 19 threes (21.1%).

The Flyers also shot 56.2% from the free-throw line and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds. Chase Ross led the way with 19 points, while Kam Jones added 18 points and 4 assists. Zed Key was efficient, shooting 75% from the field, and Nate Santos contributed 13 rebounds.

Dayton’s defense gave up 63 points, with the opposing team shooting 47% from the field, including 59% on two-point attempts (25/42). From beyond the arc, they held the team to 21% shooting, with just 4 made threes out of 19 attempts.

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At the free-throw line, the Flyers sent the other team to the stripe 16 times, where they made 9 free throws, shooting 56%. Dayton also allowed 15 offensive rebounds in the game.

For a point-spread bet in this Flyers vs. Flyers matchup, we’re leaning towards the Flyers at -11.5. Although our projections show the Flyers winning 78-68, we suggest placing your bet on the Runnin’ Rebels for the point-spread.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 141, and our model predicts the Runnin’ Rebels and Flyers to score a combined 146 points. We recommend betting on the over.

No. 22 Dayton Prepares for UNLV, Aims to Defend Home Winning Streak

After earning a spot in the national rankings with statement wins over top-10 opponents, No. 22 Dayton turns its focus to a tricky matchup against UNLV on Tuesday night. The Flyers (9-2) will look to extend their 25-game homecourt winning streak while staying grounded despite their growing accolades.

Dayton’s Rise: Staying Focused

Dayton’s impressive victory over then-No. 6 Marquette on Saturday (71-63) solidified its position among the nation’s elite, coming just weeks after their triumph over then-No. 2 UConn. It’s the first time since 1967 that the Flyers have taken down two top-six teams in the same season—a monumental achievement.

However, head coach Anthony Grant is keeping his team focused on improvement rather than accolades.

“Keep the main thing the main thing and not make too much out of one game,” Grant said. “We haven’t arrived yet. We’re not a finished product. Tuesday is a different challenge. We’ve got to be ready for that challenge.”

Homecourt Advantage Key for Dayton

The Flyers’ dominance at home (8-0 this season) has been fueled by a passionate fanbase that often feels like an extra player on the court. Guard Javon Bennett emphasized the impact of their home crowd, especially in big games.

“When we play big games, they’re like another teammate out there helping us out,” Bennett said. “We want to take advantage of those opportunities.”

However, with Dayton students having departed for winter break, the Flyers may need to generate their own energy to avoid a letdown against a UNLV team looking for a statement win.

Balanced Attack and Improved Guard Play

Dayton’s success has been defined by balance and precision. Against Marquette, the Flyers committed zero second-half turnovers—a remarkable feat against a defense averaging 15+ takeaways per game. Dayton had just seven first-half turnovers and tightened up in the second to maintain control.

Bennett highlighted the team’s steady backcourt as the difference.

“It shows how good our guard play is,” he said.

Nate Santos delivered a key performance against Marquette, notching his first double-double of the season with 12 points and 13 rebounds. His emergence adds to Dayton’s balanced attack, which features four double-digit scorers.

Grant believes this offensive depth is one of Dayton’s greatest strengths.

“That’s the strength of our team that we have multiple playmakers,” Grant said. “Offensively, we’re a team that can play an attacking style. We have a lot of weapons from an offensive standpoint.”

UNLV: Searching for a Signature Win

UNLV (5-4) snapped a three-game losing streak with a 72-65 win over Pacific on Saturday, but the Rebels still lack a marquee victory. Their struggles against top opponents—losses to Memphis, Mississippi State, and Creighton—have tested head coach Kevin Kruger’s team.

Kruger remains optimistic, calling for resilience against tough competition.

“We are playing teams that are going to compete for conference championships and play in the NCAA Tournament,” Kruger said. “We have to stick our chest out and know that we are going to put the work in to get that turned.”

Dedan Thomas Jr. continues to shine as UNLV’s leader, averaging 16.7 points per game. His ability to take over games late proved decisive against Pacific, where his clutch shots and playmaking sealed the win.

The Rebels also received a boost from sixth-year guard Julian Rishwain, who scored a season-high 21 points with five 3-pointers against Pacific. UNLV will need more performances like that to challenge Dayton on its home court.

Key Matchup: Dayton’s Transition Play vs. UNLV’s Defense

Dayton’s ability to create turnovers and score in transition has been a major weapon. Bennett noted that the team thrives when forcing mistakes.

“When we turn them over, I feel like we’re elite in transition,” Bennett said.

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UNLV’s defense will need to disrupt Dayton’s flow and limit fastbreak opportunities. If the Rebels can slow the pace and make it a half-court game, they’ll have a better chance of pulling off the upset.

What’s at Stake

For Dayton, this game is an opportunity to maintain momentum and sharpen its game ahead of another marquee matchup against No. 19 Cincinnati on Friday. A victory would extend their home winning streak and further solidify their top-25 status.

For UNLV, a win over a ranked opponent on the road would be a confidence-boosting statement and a much-needed step toward consistency.

The Bottom Line

Dayton enters as the favorite, with its balanced offense, improved guard play, and dominant homecourt advantage making them tough to beat. However, UNLV’s Dedan Thomas Jr. and Julian Rishwain have the firepower to keep the Rebels competitive.

Will Dayton maintain its focus and roll to another impressive victory, or can UNLV spoil the Flyers’ run and claim a signature win? Tuesday night will provide the answer.