2019 Mountain West Tournament: San Diego State vs. UNLV Preview, Live Stream, How To Watch
The Aztecs have gone 2-0 this season against the Runnin’ Rebels. Will UNLV step up, or will San Diego State get their 20th win?
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MW Championship Tourney #4 seed Aztecs and #5 seed Runnin’ Rebels face off at the Thomas & Mack Center Thursday.
WHO: San Diego State Aztecs (19-12, 11-7 Mountain West) vs. UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (17-13, 11-7)
WHEN: Thursday, March 14th — 5:30 PM EST / 2:30 PM PST
WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center- Las Vegas, Nevada
TV: CBS Sports Network
STREAM: FuboTV, get a seven-day free trial
RADIO: San Diego State | UNLV- ESPN Radio 1100AM
SERIES RECORD: This will be the 72nd matchup between the Aztecs and Runnin’ Rebels. UNLV holds a 36-35 series lead.
Las Vegas, NV– It’s the Mountain West Championship Quarterfinals!
Marvin Menzies and the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels face Brian Dutcher and the SDSU Aztecs for the third time this season- and the second time in a row at the Thomas & Mack Center. So far, the Aztecs are up 2-0 for the season.
About UNLV
The Runnin’ Rebels have been a dominant three-point threat this season, and the Aztecs would be wise to closely guard them for at least six feet behind the perimeter.
During certain games this season UNLV shot nearly 50% from the arc.
Joel Ntambwe is a perennial double-double threat, and if not closely guarded he can get very hot. What has marred Ntambwe, Amauri Hardy, Chris Clyburn, Noah Robotham and the rest of this talented squad has been perimeter lock down.
It’s always fun to point out that the Runnin’ Rebels hold the NCAA’s longest streak of consecutive games scoring 3-pointers, currently at one three-pointer in all 1068 games played.
If the Aztecs were to break this streak, it would be highly newsworthy.
About SDSU
The Aztecs are unpredictable, like an improvisational jazz ensemble. When they’re on point they can play lights out and beat nearly anybody. Last year’s Aztecs became red hot and clinched the Mountain West Conference Championship, to go on to play in the NCAA Tourney with an autobid.
There is no team in this year’s Tournament that would dare rule the Aztecs out as a sleeper to go all the way.
Jalen McDaniels is SDSU’s marquee double-double threat, and Devin Watson has arguably the highest basketball I.Q. in the Mountain West. Watson is an incredibly talented point guard who along with Jeremy Hemsley can keep the Aztecs focused, not to mention rain three pointers.
Freshman talents Nathan Mensah and Aguek Arop bring next generation skills that will unfold in the years to come. Matt Mitchell and Jordan Schakel can come alive big time as well.
If the Aztecs play textbook San Diego State defense, and fiercely guard the perimeter, their record will be 3-0 against the Runnin’ Rebels and they will move on to face likely Nevada on a neutral court in the semifinals.
Game Prediction: Aztecs 71- Runnin’ Rebels 68.
