FSM Essential Preview: UNLV vs Air Force - Game 16

Photo Credit: UNLV Basketball

FSM Essential Preview: UNLV vs Air Force – Game 16

UNLV (6-9) vs. Air Force (4-12)

UNLV looks to get back on the winning end of games when they host Air Force.

The Runnin’ Rebels have followed their 5 game win streak with a current losing streak after getting swept by their rivals Nevada in two games. UNLV was without star Bryce Hamilton in those two games due to an ankle injury but will hope to have him back in the games against Air Force and for the rest of the season.

UNLV is now 6-9 on the season while they will host the 4-12 Air Force Falcons. Air Force is second to last in the Mountain West standings with a 2-10 record against conference opponents.

UNLV will need to be aggressive on the offensive side of the ball.

A problem for UNLV during this little three-game losing streak has been being consistent on offense. Not having their leading scorer in Bryce Hamilton these past few games have not helped, however, they are too inconsistent on the offensive side of the ball. These games against a weak Air Force team gives them a chance to find their rhythm again offensively. Air Force are allowing 73 points per game this season and have a record of 0-10 when allowing 72 points or more this season. UNLV has scored over 72 points in three of their previous six games.

Hamilton is averaging 18 points for the Runnin’ Rebels and Caleb Grill is averaging 10 points as he has played well the past few games. David Jenkins is averaging 15 points per game in his first season with the Runnin’ Rebels.

The Air Force Falcons are led by their backcourt. Guards A.J Walker, who is averaging 14 points per game, and Chris Joyce, who is scoring 11 points a game, make up the majority of the offense for the Falcons. Walker had a season-high 27 points in an upset win against Nevada earlier in the season.

A factor in this game that gives UNLV an edge will be the rebounding. The Runnin’ Rebels average 36 rebounds a game, twelve more than Air Force. Mbacke Diong is the main force in that as the big body in the paint for UNLV. The big man is averaging 8 rebounds a game while the Falcons Nikc Jackson is the leading rebounder for his respective squad with only 3 a game. If UNLV can be physical and dominate the glass, they will be set up for a lot of success in these two games.

UNLV seeks to keep up their dominance against Aire Force.

UNLV will be looking for their 9^th straight win against Air Force. The Falcons have not beaten the Runnin’ Rebels since 2014. Both teams are on losing streaks. UNLV having lost three straight while Air Force has lost five straight. The Falcons have lost 9 of their last ten games with the one win being a three-point home victory over Wyoming. They have also lost 4 straight games on the road and only have one road win all season.

UNLV has been using home court to their advantage despite not having fans as they are 5-2 inside the Thomas and Mack Center this season. All signs point to UNLV having success in these two games hosting Air Force, however, the Runnin’ Rebels will need to give it their all to try and get back to an even record on the season.

Today’s television broadcast will be called by Rich Waltz and Dan Dickau, while Monday’s announcers will be Dave Ryan and Bob Wenzel. Jon Sandler and former Runnin’ Rebel Curtis Terry will handle the UNLV radio call.