The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (4-1) head to Tempe, Arizona to take on the undefeated No. 25 Mississippi State Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs come into the Arizona tip-off tournament at 5-0. They won by a small margin over the SMU Mustangs, 84-79. The win helped boost them into the Top 25, The Bulldogs managed to have five players score in double digits. After the game, small forward KeShawn Murphy said, “Everybody has the same mentality. “We’re ready when our number is called, and we know we have to maintain the same level of energy whether we’re starting or coming off the bench.”
The Bulldogs will be leaning on their leading scorer in sophomore guard Joshua Hubbard, who is averaging 20.2 points per game. Mississippi State will also need to be consistent in grabbing rebounds and converting on second-chance shots. Small forward, KeShawn Murray has stepped up on rebounds averaging 7.6 rebounds per game. His added presence will be a factor that UNLV will have to pay attention to.
Will this high-scoring offense of the Runnin’ Rebels, be able to slow down the Bulldogs and hand them their first loss of the season?
The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels are coming off of 72-65 win against the New Mexico State Aggies. UNLV is looking to put a damper on the Bulldogs’ party and celebrate an opening tournament win. UNLV is going to rely on their team’s top scorers Jeremiah Cherry and Dedan Thomas, Jr. on clean-up duty in the paint.
After defeating New Mexico State, Thomas said he recognized this was a huge game coming up for his team. “Two very big-time games that we’re going to be playing in. Of course, our roster’s a little bit short so guys just gotta step up and be ready to play. We’ll be ready,” he said.
The Runnin’ Rebels will take on the Bulldogs on Thanksgiving night at 6:30 p.m. They will then play the winner of Butler/Northwestern on Friday, both games will be available on CBS Sports Network.
