Breakdown: UNLV vs. San Jose State tonight

Breaking down the UNLV basketball team's game against San Jose State at 7 p.m. today at the Thomas & Mack Center:

BACKCOURT

No matter who starts at point guard, Patrick McCaw or Jerome Seagears, UNLV should have the advantage in this category, especially considering the Rebels will have four guards on the floor at times. San Jose State's Jaycee Hillsman and Isaac Thornton combine to average 10.7 points per game.

Edge: UNLV

FRONTCOURT

UNLV is forced to put guards in the frontcourt, which speaks to what kind of situation the Rebels are facing. Frank Rogers averages 12.7 points and 6.5 rebounds for the Spartans, and Ryan Welage averages 11.3 and 5.9. Plus, over the past three games, Cody Schwartz has averaged 13.7 points.

Edge: San Jose State

BENCH

Remember when this was a UNLV strength? Now the Rebels' rotation is down to seven players, and possibly six if Seagears doesn't play because of a bruised right hand. San Jose State brings Princeton Onwas (10.7 points) and Brandon Clarke (8.0 points, 5.1 rebounds) off the bench.

Edge: San Jose State

INTANGIBLES

Even with San Jose State's advantages, UNLV is more athletic and capable of taking control. If the Rebels force transition, they should win. They also should be able to use the zone defense to help in rebounding. And, of course, being at home helps. UNLV is 8-3 at the Mack.

Edge: UNLV

BOTTOM LINE

Betting line: UNLV -15

Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65