UNLV Runnin' Rebels vs. Nevada-Reno Wolfpack Prediction & Game Preview - 2/22/2022

Time: 11 p.m. ET

Venue: Lawlor Events Center, Reno, NV

Where to watch: CBSSN

DraftKings: UNR -1

BetMGM: UNR -1.5

Caesars: UNR -1

UNLV: 16-11 (8-6 MWC)

UNR: 12-13 (6-8 MWC)

I will tell you that as someone who went to UNLV many years ago, there is nothing I despise more on this planet than the thing called the Governor's Series. What is this thing that I speak of you're probably asking?

Well let me tell you that it was a time where sports between UNLV and Nevada were so far off the Ledger that whoever won the most points in any given season between the two schools, won a trophy. it was basically to offset one of two things. 1, UNLV never winning in football, and 2, UNR never winning in basketball.

I haven't paid much attention to either of these schools since I graduated but I will tell you that the Runnin’ Rebels are playing tremendous basketball under new coach Kevin Kruger. There hasn't been that consistency as of late for UNLV to take that next step, but there is plenty to like after UNLV dismantled Colorado State on Saturday by 21 points.

UNLV has gone through a major appeal over the last number of years. Ever since they fired Dave rice in 2015, there just has not been any form of consistency or accountability whether it be from the actual program itself, or from the actual administration that tends to change leaders every three years because a new shiny job tends to open up.

But when you have players like Bryce Hamilton destroying worlds by averaging 21.6 points per game and shooting close to 45% from the floor, you sit back and wonder where in the world was this talent from years ago? And no, I'm not talking about the likes of Anthony Bennett, who is now playing in Taiwan mind you, or even the crazy head case that is Christian Wood. Who would’ve ever thought he’d be the one to make it to the NBA?

UNLV would need to make the run of a lifetime in order to make the NCAA tournament, but if Kruger continues to coach this way and lead this team well into the future, you can't help but like the future more and more.

I'm not going to lie though, it is a lot of fun to see the Wolfpack just completely suck this year. I'm not saying UNLV is any better right now, but at least there is a point where we can look at both teams at this moment and just say you know what? One is worse than the other and I'm glad it is not my alma mater.

But of course, there would be an instance where UNR would come into this game having won three straight and just give me so much anxiety that UNLV would not come anywhere close to winning this game. But I feel very confident in saying that you and four of your friends could suit up against San Jose State in back-to-back games and win both just like UNR did.

Grant Sherfield scored a game-high 25 points in Nevada's bizarre 30 point victory against San Jose State on Thursday. When you consider that Reno won by only nine in their home game just a few days prior, is it really that impressive when you look at it in the grand scheme of things?

I am here to tell you more than likely not. Just like how UNLV used to give promotions for winning Jack in the Box tacos every time they scored 70 points, wins don't matter in this situation. The winning has already been done. The rebels have more than capable firepower two defeats most teams, especially Colorado State. Reno is not in that category, nor will they be for a very long time.

And let's face it. When you go to UNLV and you go to school there for four-plus years and there is no other mindset than watching UNLV dismantle Reno, there is no better feeling.]

having said all of that, it would not shock me in the least if Reno somehow pulled this game off. Not only is it at home, and not only has UNLV had trouble in the past up north, but I firmly believe with every ounce of my being that the rebels are just that much better at every position. Does it make me sound like a Homer? Quite possibly. But have I ever cared when it came to UNLV anything? Not in the least. UNLV by 20

UNLV is 40-20 ATS since 1997 when a line is +3 and -3 when they're on the road.

UNLV is 29-14 when a road dog of 3 points or fewer.

The over is 20-8 when UNLV is a home favorite of 3 or less.

PG: Jordan McCabe

SG: Mike Nunga

SF: Keshon Gilbert

PF: Bryce Hamilton

C: Royce Hamm Jr.

PG: Grant Sherfield

SG: Desmond Cambridge Jr.

SF: Kenan Blackshear

PF: Tre Coleman

C: Will Baker

Points: Bryce Hamilton -- 21.5

Rebounds:  Royce Hamm Jr. -- 9.4

Assists: Jordan McCabe -- 4.8

Points: Grant Sherfield -- 18.7

Rebounds: Warren Washington -- 6.3

Assists: Grant Sherfield -- 6.5