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UNLV vs. San Diego State: Preview, Prediction, How To Watch
Big rivalry game today in Vegas
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Can the Rebels beat an upper-end MW team?
UNLV is hosting San Diego State and the Rebels are looking to even up the season series. The Runnin Rebels are riding a three-game winning streak.
With nine conference wins this is the most wins in Mountain West play since 2013-14 for the Rebels, and it was back when Dave Rice was the head coach.
With those wins and momentum of a three-game winning streak, UNLV should have confidence on their ability to redeem their 17 point loss earlier this season against the Aztecs. Let’s get into the keys on how UNLV can pick up their 10th conference win
Make shots
It is easier said than done but UNLV has to make more shots. In their last matchup against San Diego State, the Rebels missed seven of their first eight shots. The Aztecs were able to get a nine-point lead in the first four minutes. UNLV is second in the Mountain West in three-point makes, but have been struggling over their few games to be consistent from deep.
Although in winning efforts the Rebels have shot 13 of 59 from three in their past two games. Kris Clyburn (13.2 points per game) and Amauri Hardy (13.1 points per game) are the Rebels leading scorers on the season. Look for the two guards to be a vital point of UNLV’s offense.
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Contain Jalen Mcdaniels
The Sophomore forward scored 30 points in the first game against UNLV. Mcdaniels was a problem for the Rebels getting to the line 12 times and knocking down 10 of those attempts. Mcdaniels shot 60 percent from the field. 3 of his 30 points came from a last second three-point attempt. UNLV should look to be aggressive Mcdaniels. Joel Ntambwe will be tasked with guarding Mcdaniels to start the game. If he gets going early coach Menzies might want to throw double teams at him.
Get to the free throw line
In the last game against the Aztecs, UNLV shot 14 free throws San Diego State’s 30. The Rebels need to be more aggressive and look to get the ball inside. In conference play, the Rebels are second in free throw attempts and need to show that against the Aztecs in order to get some easy points.
Overall, UNLV is 85th in the nation at free throw attempts, but converting on those attempts will be a huge key if they are going to win. Attacking the driving lanes and forcing the Aztec defense to be aggressive will bode well for UNLV
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