Breakdown: UNLV vs. UNR
BACKCOURT
UNR starts a four-guard lineup that likes to get up and down the court. Marqueze Coleman scores 17.4 points per game, one of four Wolf Pack guards who average in double figures. UNLV will try to win the transition game, and the Rebels have the players to do it.
Edge: UNR
FRONTCOURT
This is a matchup the Rebels should have the advantage over almost any Mountain West team, especially with Stephen Zimmerman Jr. playing so well. He has double-doubles in his past three games. But don't overlook the Wolf Pack's Cameron Oliver, who averages 11.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and a league-best 2.6 blocked shots per game.
Edge: UNLV
BENCH
UNLV's starters know they have to get the job done because the reserves can easily replace them. Guard Eric Cooper (10.1 points per game) is a quality player off the bench for UNR, but the Wolf Pack aren't as deep.
Edge: UNLV
INTANGIBLES
This rivalry means more to the Wolf Pack, and coach Eric Musselman will have his players ready to go. UNLV also has to be careful to not get caught looking ahead to next week's home games against Boise State and San Diego State.
Edge: UNR
BOTTOM LINE
Odds: UNLV -5½
Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65
