[jwplayer 18QegcJn-sNi3MVSU]
UNLV Takes On BYU In Game Of Former Conference Rivals
Rebels and Cougars really dislike each other.
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These two have not played since 2011
For the first time in eight years, UNLV (4-4) plays against former Mountain West and WAC rival BYU (8-4). The last time these two teams played, this dude named Jimmer Fredette was on the court dropping 29 points and torching all comers.
Fredette is the Mountain West’s all-time leading scorer. So much time has passed since Fredette was lighting it up that BYU is not even apart of the Mountain West anymore. The intensity of the rivalry may not be known to the current players, but the fans remember so expect for the T-Mobile Arena to be jumping with energy from the fans of both teams to renew a rivalry of old.
Even though this game is in Las Vegas, expect a decent amount of BYU fans at this game.
“I think we’ll have a good crowd of Cougar fans there. It’s a new arena,” said BYU coach Dave Rose. “Since it’s opened a couple of years ago, I’ve always tried to figure out a way to get a game in there.”
The current Rebels will have their hands full with this current Cougar team. The Rebels are on a three-game losing streak. Their most recent loss coming at Illinois in the Rebels first road game of the season. It was a close 77-74 loss. If the Rebels could bottle up their performance from the last eight minutes of the game against Illinois the team would be in good shape. Forcing turnovers knocking down three-point shots is the team Rebel fans want to see.
Amari Hardy should get the starting point guard spot for Coach Menzies team he has improved every game and shows up every game for the Rebels. Noah Robotham has struggled to get going this season. Eventually he will find his rhythm, but for now, let Hardy run the show
The BYU Cougars are on a three-game winning streak. Those wins coincide with the return of Junior guard Nick Emery. Emery was suspended for the first nine games of the season for receiving improper benefits from a booster.
The NCAA suspension is not the only reason for Emery’s notoriety, during his freshman year against rival Utah Emery was ejected from the game after punching an opposing player in the face. Those parts of his career are in the past as Emery now looks to help the Cougars get a win against UNLV. On the court, Yoeli Childs leads BYU the Junior Forward is averaging 22.8 points per game and 10.9 rebounds per game.
This game tips at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 PT and is on ESPN3.
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