UNLV has been strong this season, posting a 9-8 overall record and a 4-2 mark in Mountain West play. It has been an underdog story, with chemistry still developing because most of the roster had not played together, along with a coaching change from Kevin Kruger to Josh Pastner.
UNLV heads to Utah State on Jan. 20 to face the Aggies, the No. 2 seed in the Mountain West. Utah State enters at 15-2 overall and 6-1 in conference play.
UNLV has shown it can surprise teams with timely performances. Still, the Rebels will need to defend at a high level and control the offense as a team. Riding a two-game winning streak, UNLV could bring the energy and confidence needed to hand Utah State its first home loss of the season.
Next, UNLV returns home on Jan. 24 to face San Diego State, the No. 1 seed in the Mountain West. The Aztecs enter with a 13-4 overall record and a perfect 7-0 mark in conference play.
What makes San Diego State especially dangerous is its current seven-game winning streak, which could grow to eight if the Aztecs beat Grand Canyon on Jan. 21.
If UNLV can sharpen its 3-point shooting, it will be tough for either opponent to slow the Rebels down. Known as a young, scrappy team, UNLV should keep both matchups intense even if it does not come away with a win. These two games are must-watch for fans, and if UNLV can beat Utah State on the road, it could provide the confidence needed to challenge the top-seeded Aztecs at home.
Jesse Vanderveer is a basketball reporter and writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @JesseVanderveer22
