New Hoops Preview: UNLV vs San Diego State - Game 29

Game Preview: UNLV vs San Diego State

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Runnin’ Rebels (14-14, 9-6)  |  San Diego State (26-0, 15-0)

The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (14-14) will be hitting the road to take on the blazing hot No. 4 San Diego State Aztecs (26-0) on February 22, 2020, 4:30 pm PT.

The Rebels are coming off a dominant showing in their previous outing against Colorado State, taking that game 80-56. Bryce Hamilton was the leader of the pack bagging a double-double with 25 points as well as ten rebounds. Behind him was Elijah Mitrou-Long, contributing 16 points. Amauri Hardy and Long both being the main facilitators on the team, both tallying up six assists.

It was a good win for UNLV, as they ended the first half 51-29 and never looked back. This is the kind of momentum they are looking to take forward into their upcoming game against SDSU. The last time the Runnin’ Rebels faced off against the Aztecs, it was a close game throughout, but SDSU was able to close out the game 71-67. The goal remains the same for UNLV. This is an opportunity for them to not only even up the season series between them and the Aztecs, but force the upset to give them their first loss of the season.

With that being said, in the game against the Aztecs, Bryce Hamilton is looking to display the same effort as he did against Colorado State. Hamilton is averaging 15.6 points per game, along with 5.4 rebounds. Collectively, the Rebels are ranked in the top 25 in the nation when it comes to rebounding. In order to get the most boards, the defense must be played, and that is going to be an area where they have to make sure they are locked in coming into this game.

With the run San Diego State has been on this entire season, it seems as if they may be ready for whatever UNLV may have to offer. The Aztecs are looking to extend their winning streak as they have been on a tear this past couple of months. Coming off of consecutive double-digit wins, they are coming back to their home crowd with all the momentum on their side.

Leading this San Diego State team is junior guard Malachi Flynn, who is averaging 16.7 points per game with 5.1 assists per game to go along with it. He will be the focal point of their offense and will be the player the Rebels must keep an eye on heading into the game. Behind him is junior forward Matt Mitchell, chipping in 12.4 points per game as well as five rebounds per game.

The Aztecs have shown that they are a top team in all areas. The top seed is looking like a sure thing if the Aztecs keep up the momentum. With their squad looking well rounded on both ends of the ball, it seems like the top seed may happen. In their last five games, the Aztecs have made 62 3-pointers. 

This will be a tough matchup for UNLV. However, with the momentum they have had as of late, they look to be the ones to upset the Aztecs. Easier said than done, but the Rebels have pulled off the unthinkable before. As for the Aztecs, the biggest concern for them is going to be Bryce Hamilton. In the last outing with these two teams, he went on to score 29 points. However, if they can find a way to contain Hamilton out on the floor, then the Aztecs can also look to extend their winning streak.

-Terence Smith

UNLV vs San Diego State     UNLV vs San Diego State     UNLV vs San Diego State     UNLV vs San Diego State    

UNLV vs San Diego State 

Las Vegas! If you want another great place to watch the game, head to Al’s Garage in Summerlin. There are multiple televisions to watch all the games. Al’s has “Happy Hour” starting at 9 AM and ending at 9 PM. Al’s Garage is located at 11760 W. Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada 89135. Tell them, “The Franchise sent you!!”

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