Game:   (639) Nevada (2-2) vs. (640) Davidson (1-2)
Time:     Tues. 11/19  7:00 PM EST at John M. Belk Arena
Spread: Davidson  -9.5
Total:     143.5
Odds from:  5Dimes Sportsbook 

The Nevada Wolf Pack head to Davidson, NC, for a non-conference battle with the Davidson Wildcats.  The Wolf Pack dropped a 76-66 decision to USC this past weekend, and the Wildcats clobbered UNC Wilmington 87-49 in their latest action. These teams last met in 2017 in a game Nevada won at home by an 81-68 score.

NEVADA WOLF PACK

Nevada is entering a new era of basketball this season since their longtime coach Eric Musselman, left for Arkansas and they also lost the heart and soul of their team in the Martin twins, Cody and Caleb. They also lost Jordan Caroline, so altogether they lost each of their top three leading scorers. 

The Wolf Pack are currently ranked 112th overall in Ken Pomeroy’s college basketball rankings, and they should be near the top of the MWC this season. Nevada is currently averaging 73 points, ranking them 182nd in the country. They are conceding an average of 73.8 points, placing them 262nd overall.

The Nevada Wolf Pack comes into this matchup with a 2-2 record, and they will be looking to rebound after losing their recent home game against USC, 76-66.  The Nevada Wolf Pack struggled shooting the ball as they only made 20 of their 61 attempts (32.8%), and they were worse from behind the three-point line (30.6%). They also had more turnovers and were outrebounded.

Nevada’s shooting has been a big issue. Jazz Johnson leads the team with19.5 PPG while shooting 43% from the field. Lindsey Drew opened the season on a roll with 54 points in his first two games and has since only scored 19 points in his last two games. The senior guard has great numbers through four games, registering an average of 18.3 PPG along with 7.3 RPB and six APG. Jalen Harris is another good player that can do damage. The junior guard sat out last season after transferring over from L.A. Tech. Harris scored 24 points in a win against Texas-Arlington in the third game of the season.

DAVIDSON WILDCATS

The Davidson Wildcats come into this matchup with a 1-2 record after winning their recent home game against UNC Wilmington, 87-49. Leading the way for the Davidson Wildcats was sophomore forward Luke Brajkovic as he recorded 21 points. Junior guard Kellan Grady had a productive all-around game for the Wildcats as he pitched in 14 points and 9 rebounds. The Davidson Wildcats had a good shooting game against the Seahawks as they connected on 33 of their 60 field goal attempts (55%), and they were good from behind the three-point line (50%). The Wildcats won the turnover battle against the Seahawks (17-10), and they dominated the Seahawks in the rebounding department (39-24). The Wildcats opened their season with two losses which included a defeat to a ranked Auburn team, and an upset loss to Charlotte. 

Kellan Grady has recovered from his slow start by scoring a combined 34 points in his last two games. The junior guard averaged over 17 points last season. Grady is averaging 13.3 points on 44% shooting so far.

Davidson is shooting well, at 39.5% from 3 point land. They were also playing without Carter Collins in the loss to Charlotte, a junior who is averaging 15.5 points per game and is a key member of the starting lineup.

SUMMARY

The Wolf Pack haven’t played an easy schedule so far, which is why they are 2-2 and they are starting to come together under their first-year coach Steve Alford who transferred from UCLA. Jazz Johnson is averaging 19.5 PPG while Lindsay Drew is contributing 18.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 6 APG. 

Nevada will have a hard time against this Davidson team that can pile on the points and go on big runs. The Wolfpack is shooting 40.7% as a team and they have allowed at least 73 points in three out of their four games.  If Nevada can continue scores over 70 points this game they might have a chance to cover this spread but it is doubtful against a tough Davidson team that plays good defense at home.

TRENDS

Wildcats are:

• 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 50 points in the last game
• 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight-up win of more than 20 points

Wolf Pack are:

• 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall
• 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games following an ATS loss
• 1-4 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games

Data Analysis:   Davidson -9.5 / Over 143.5
Fade the Public:   Nevada +9.5 / no data
Sharp Action:  Davidson -9.5 / Over 143.5