The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (8-5, 2-0) look to keep the momentum rolling as they continue conference play against the San Jose State Spartans (7-8, 0-3).
The Runnin’ Rebels are led by guard Dedan Thomas, jr., who is averaging 16.2 points per game and 4.2 assists per game. The Runnin’ Rebels are averaging 73.1 points per game this season. The Runnin’ Rebels are coming into this game 2-0 in conference play.
The Runnin’ Rebels’ key to another conference win is to get the lead early and keep for the entirety of the game. The Runnin’ Rebels should also stay consistent in the paint and continue to box out for rebounds. Forward Jeremiah Cherry leads the Runnin’ Rebels in rebounds, averaging 5.8 rebounds per game and he has 76 on the year.
In their win against Air Force, the Runnin’ Rebels stayed consistent from the floor, shooting 57.1% from the floor, 56.3% from the three-point line, and 52.2% from the free-throw line. Julian Rishwain led the Runnin’ Rebels with 16 points, three rebounds, and went 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. Jaden Henley added 14 points, grabbed down four rebounds, and went 6-for-10 from the field. The Runnin’ rebels outshot the Falcons 57.1% to 33.3%.
The San Jose State Spartans are looking for their first conference win against the Runnin’ Rebels. The Spartans are led by Josh Uduje, who is averaging 17.1 points, and 4.6 rebounds. In their loss against Colorado State, the Spartans shot an abysmal 29.50% from the floor and 8.70% from the three-point line.
Against Colorado State, Will McClendon was the only Spartan that scored in double digits with 15 points and went 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. The Spartans went 2-for-23 from the three-point line. On the other side of the ball, the Spartans did force Colorado State to commit 16 turnovers.
The Runnin’ Rebels meet the Spartans on Saturday, January 4th at 3 p.m. PST at the Thomas & Mack Center.
