UT Chattanooga heads to vegas on back-to-back

Bet UNLV -5 now—don’t wait for the best of the number. Market momentum should tilt toward the Rebels as we get closer to tip, and the matchup sets up for a focused bounce-back. New head coach Josh Pastner called out the opener as unacceptable after UNLV coughed it up 22 times in a shocking loss to UT Martin. Expect a sharp course correction: simplified sets, two-hand catches, jump stops, and more ball security reps in practice. The Rebels will make protecting the rock Priority No. 1.

The opponent and schedule spot are why this should drift higher. UT-Chattanooga played last night in Moraga against Saint Mary’s and got beat by 21. Now those kids have to fly to Vegas in the middle of the night, hydrate, and prep for a hungry home team on short rest—roughly an 18-hour turnaround. That’s classic fade material: travel legs, limited shoot-around time, and a hostile gym against a team embarrassed on opening night.

UNLV’s path is straightforward: win the glass, keep turnovers under 12, and live at the line by attacking closeouts. If they value possessions, their length and energy should create separation late. This is mostly a situational play with a coaching response angle. Grab -5 early before the market taxes Chattanooga’s spot and pushes this toward -6/-6.5. Pick: UNLV -5 (bet sooner than later).