Loyola Marymount vs Nevada Picks and Odds (Dec. 18)

• The Nevada Wolf Pack vie for a fifth straight win on Saturday when they host the Loyola Marymount Lions 
• Lions are on the rebound following a 63-58 loss to New Mexico State
• Read on for all the odds and trends ahead of Saturday’s clash at Lawlor Events Center

The Nevada Wolf Pack will be gunning for a fifth straight win when they play host to the Loyola Marymount Lions on Saturday night as 6.5-point favorites.

Tip off is set for 11pm ET on Saturday on the Wolf Pack’s home court at Lawlor Events Center.

Loyola Marymount vs Nevada Odds

*Odds at Fanduel as of December 18, 2021

Lions vs Wolf Pack Betting Trends

Saturday night’s matchup marks the first meeting between these two teams since November 2019. The Wolf Pack tallied a 72-67 victory in that contest, which was also just the second meeting between these squads since 1995.

Nevada has turned things around at the sportsbooks after covering just once during a schedule-opening 1-4 run. The Wolf Pack have covered in each of their past three dates with Division I opponents, capped by a 79-66 victory over Pepperdine almost three weeks ago.

Despite enjoying a 4-2 record that has featured three straight road wins, the Lions have produced mixed results at the sportsbooks. LMU has covered just once in its past five overall, but is 2-0 ATS this season as a road underdog. After seeing the total go OVER in five of their first seven contests, the UNDER has prevailed in each of the Lions’ past two.

Loyola Marymount Lions Outlook

Plagued by a slow start and a lack of finish, the Lions dropped a 63-58 decision to New Mexico State last weekend. LMU shooters compiled just 23 points before halftime. They also hit on a season-low 33.9% of field goal attempts, while also draining just 23.1% from beyond the arc.

New Mexico State closes out Loyola Marymount 63-58 on the road with a vintage defensive effort down the stretch.

The Aggies have now won three straight games by a combined 10 points. Fun time to be an NMSU fan.

Next: Wed. at Washington State (7-3)

— Nate Ryan (@nateryansports) December 12, 2021

That extends the Lions’ worrisome struggles before recess, with the club now averaging just 24 first-half points over their past three contests. But despite those slow starts, the Lions have managed to maintain their positioning at No. 97 in adjusted offensive efficiency at Kenpom.

FINAL.

Eli Scott led the way with 20 points, five rebounds, and two assists.

LMU will hit the road to close out the non-conference schedule with games at Nevada and Bellarmine.#RaiseTheStandard pic.twitter.com/B1XYtxx6Hn

— LMU Men's Basketball (@lmulionsMBB) December 12, 2021

With Joe Quintana struggling to produce of late after averaging 18.5 points per game over his first eight outings, another senior guard has stepped up to fill the void. Eli Scott led all scorers in last Saturday’s loss to the Aggies, tallying 20 points. Scott has now averaged 20.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game over his past five outings, including double-doubles in each of the team’s past two road contests.

Nevada Wolfpack Outlook

The Wolfpack waltzed to an easy 98-62 victory over Division II Minnesota-Duluth on Wednesday night. Nevada has otherwise been idle since November 30 after seeing a pair of dates cancelled in their recent trip to Texas due to an outbreak of COVID-19, including a scheduled clash with UT-Arlington on December 7.

The Nevada Wolf Pack cruised to a 98-62 victory over Minnesota Duluth, earning their fourth straight win.

More below: https://t.co/zrJpeUCjdp pic.twitter.com/UP8HN2NhgW

— MWCConnection.com (@MWCConnection) December 16, 2021

This week’s win over the Bulldogs provided the Wolf Pack with a golden opportunity to get the entire lineup into game situations, with eight players seeing at least 15 minutes of playing time. And the team did not disappoint. The Lions quickly establishing a double-digit lead that they would not relinquish, while converting 51.5% of field goal attempts, and outboarding the Bulldogs by a massive 56-29 margin.

Grant Sherfield (@gsherfield5) NEARLY collected a triple-double in @NevadaHoops win over @UMDBulldogMBB!

28PTS
12REB💪🏽💪🏽
9AST🪙🪙
1STL
62.5% FG
2/3 3FG
6/6 FT

An extremely dominant performance from the Forth Worth native. A @MountainWest PoY could definitely be in store! pic.twitter.com/tkkaBUO9FG

— CBB Nation (@CBBNation247) December 16, 2021

Grant Sherfield continued to display the form that has made him the team’s leading scorer this season, compiling 28 points and 12 rebounds in this week’s win. More importantly, the junior guard has averaged 26 points per game over his past three appearances against Division I opponents, and has tallied at least six rebounds in each of his past four outings.

The Pick: Wolf Pack -6.5 (-110)