[jwplayer JRhYwUSB-Esf0Ippc]

San Diego State vs. UNLV Preview & Score Prediction

Check out the San Diego State vs. UNLV game preview and score prediction

San Diego State (12-7, 4-4) vs. UNLV (14-6, 3-4) Game Preview

GAME INFO

Date: Saturday, January 27th
Tip-off: 7:00pm PT
Venue: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Radio: 101.5 KGB, XTRA 1360 and FOX Sports IE 1350 in SoCal TV/stream: CBS Sports Network

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1361]

PROJECTED RUNNIN’ REBELS LINEUP

G Jordan Johnson G Jovan Mooring
F Kris Clyburn
F Shakur Juiston
C Brandon McCoy

PROJECTED SAN DIEGO STATE LINEUP

G Trey Kell
G Devin Watson
F Malik Pope
F Jalen McDaniels
F Matt Mitchell

WHY UNLV WILL WIN

The Runnin’ Rebels are coming off a tough road loss at Fresno State and they are going to be playing angry in front of a home crowd in their first matchup of the season with the Aztecs. If they are going to secure the win, they will need strong play from Shakur Juiston, Brandon McCoy, and Jordan Johnson who managed 18 points in their loss against the Bulldogs. If the 7 foot center and the aggressive Juiston are effective in the paint UNLV and dominate on the boards, the Runnin’ Rebels should be able to secure a win at home. In the Mountain West, a win against the Aztecs is always considered a good win, and depending upon the opponent sometimes involves storming of the court.

WHY SAN DIEGO STATE WILL WIN

The Aztecs have dominated the first half of just about every conference game they’ve played. They have failed to close out four of the eight games, though, including losing three conference games in a row recently for the first time in five years. Freshman Forward Jalen McDaniels is posting stats comparable to Kwahi Leonard’s freshman year, and Max Montana, Matt Mitchell and Devin Watson have played well behind the arc.

The Aztecs are coming fresh off of their second win this season against the Colorado State Rams, so they will be entering this game with momentum. The Aztecs have the size and talent to match up with most anybody these days, including UNLV. This game is going to come down to the Aztecs’ ability to close, and that will rest in no small part on coach Brian Dutcher’s shoulders. The Aztecs have all the skill necessary to win: it just depends upon whether they play with confidence and finish strong.

SCORE PREDICTION

San Diego State 88, UNLV 79