[jwplayer 18QegcJn-sNi3MVSU]
UNLV Takes On Illinois In First True Road Game
Rebels looking for an upset win.
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UNLV Heads To Illinois Looking For A Win
The UNLV Runnin Rebels travel to Champaign, Illinois, in search of a win after losing two straight games. This is UNLV’s only matchup against a power conference team this season. Coach Marvin Menzies career record against opponents from power conferences is 2-23.
In UNLV’S last contest against Cincinnati, the Rebels were matched up against a team that played a similar style as them on the defensive end. It was a close game and a moral victory for the Rebels. Considering that Shakur Juiston only had (three points six rebounds). Despite the fact that their best player was limited to only three points UNLV came close to beating the Bearcats.
Juiston is going to have more favorable matchups against Illinois who is a small team that plays four guards at most times. The Rebels are a team that crashes the offensive glass and looks to use their size to the advantage. In their last three games, Illinois has allowed 101 free throws combined.
UNLV has shot 81 free throws over their last three games. Starting forwards Joel Ntambwe, Shakur Juiston, and Cheikh Mbacke Diong should dominate inside the paint.
Styles make fights and last year UNLV beat Illinois 89-82. The Fighting Illini start four guards. What the Illini lack in size they make up for in shooting ability. Illinois is in the top 40 in the country in three-pointers made. Led by Sophomore guard Trent Frazier who is leading the team in both points and assists at 15 and 3.4.
This is one of the Runnin Rebels last non-conference games. This should be a fun up and down game that features two teams that like to push the pace. This will be a good test to see if the Rebels can get a win on the road.
Who: UNLV Runnin Rebels (4-3) VS. Illinois Fighting Illini (2-7)
Where: State Farm Center Champaign, IL
TV: Big Ten Network
Tip: 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET
Stream: FuboTV – Get a seven-day free trial
Series Record: Illinois leads series 4-2
Odds: Illinois -7
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