Breakdown: UNLV vs. Fresno State
Breaking down the UNLV basketball team's game at Fresno State at 4 p.m. Saturday:
BACKCOURT
Don't count on Fresno State's Marvelle Harris having a repeat performance from Wednesday's game at San Jose State in which is made two of 16 shots and scored seven points. He averages 18.6 points per game for the season, and is surrounded by reliable players in Paul Watson and Cezar Guerrero. UNLV has quality players well, but it's always a question of which Patrick McCaw shows up.
Edge: Fresno State
FRONTCOURT
Fresno State's Torren Jones is out with a mystery medical problem, a big break for UNLV. Jones had 18 points and eight rebounds in the Bulldogs' 69-66 victory over the Rebels on Dec. 30, and he made the game's key play in a put-back of a missed free throw with 25 seconds left. UNLV is going smaller these days, but still has difference-makers up front in Stephen Zimmerman Jr. and Derrick Jones Jr.
Edge: UNLV
BENCH
Even though forward Ben Carter (left knee) is missed, the Rebels still go eight deep. Fresno State probably will give quality minutes to Julien Lewis and Terrell Carter, but the Bulldogs don't have near the same depth.
Edge: UNLV
INTANGIBLES
Sure, UNLV is fired up over its December loss to Fresno State, but leaving Las Vegas is a challenge for the Rebels. They also will struggle to stay out of the halfcourt that the Bulldogs will force them into playing.
Edge: Fresno State
BOTTOM LINE
Betting line: UNLV -2½
— Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65
