FSM Essential Preview: UNLV vs Fresno State - Game 22

FSM Essential Preview: UNLV vs. Fresno State – Game 22

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UNLV (10-11) vs. Fresno State (9-9)

 

UNLV returns home for a clash with the Fresno State Bulldogs.

 

The Runnin’ Rebels are coming off a 2-2 road trip with both their wins coming from their two previous games in which they defeated the San Jose Spartans. That improved their record to 10-11 and 7-7 in conference play. Giving UNLV a chance to finish over .500 on the season if they can defeat the Bulldogs in both games this week at the Thomas and Mack.

Fresno State comes in with a record of 9-9 and 7-9 in the conference. They have lost two straight games, both coming to the hands of the San Diego State Aztecs. UNLV remains one game ahead of Fresno State in the standings.

 

When the Runnin’ Rebels defense plays well, they win games. 

 

Defense has been the key for UNLV so far this season. When their defense plays well, they win games. UNLV is 8-0 win when they limit their opponents to 60 or fewer points and are 2-11 when their opponents score more than 60. Fresno State averages 66 points per game as a team.

In order to fulfill their goal in playing strict defense on the Bulldogs, they will have to contain Fresno State’s best player, and Las Vegas native, Orlando Robinson. The Las Vegas born is averaging 15 points and 9 rebounds. He is leading his team in both those categories. Fresno State has also gotten consistent scoring from Deon Stroud this season as he is averaging 11 points for the Bulldogs. Fresno State’s game plan is getting to the free-throw line. They lead the Mountain West Conference in free throws attempted per game with 21.

For UNLV, Bryce Hamilton has been the leader all season. He is averaging 18 points and 6 rebounds and has shot 31% from the three-point range. Hamilton is the leader of this UNLV team and really carries the Runnin’ Rebels to success. The team goes as far as Hamilton goes. David Jenkins is averaging 14.9 points per game and has been even more efficient for UNLV since he moved to the bench. He brings a spark off the bench that brings a different look to their second unit.

The Runnin’ Rebels are coming off a 67-64 win over the San Jose State Spartans last time out in which Hamilton and center Mbacke Diong both had double-doubles on the stat sheet. Hamilton had 17 points and 12 rebounds while Diong had 13 points and 13 rebounds as UNLV held on in the final seconds.

 

UNLV look to get back to .500 on the season.

 

The Runnin’ Rebels haven’t had a record of .500 since the end of January when they capped off a 5 game winning streak to bring their record to 6-6. In order to do that, they will need to play their game by rebounding the ball well and getting offensive contributions from multiple players.

UNLV will host these two games on Wednesday and Friday at the Thomas and Mack Center. The arena is allowing the UNLV pom team as well as a limited number of fans.

Wednesday’s television announcers are Daron Sutton and Doug Gottlieb, while Friday’s will be Joel Godett and Avery Johnson. Jon Sandler and former Runnin’ Rebel Curtis Terry will handle the UNLV radio call.

 

The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels host the Fresno State Bulldogs on Wednesday at 8:00 on FS1.

UNLV vs San Jose State                         UNLV vs San Jose State                         UNLV vs San Jose State                         UNLV vs San Jose State                         UNLV vs San Jose State                         UNLV vs San Jose State                         UNLV vs San Jose State                                                                      

-Jarret Thompson – Franchise Sports Media

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