Position breakdown: Friday night’s UNLV-TCU game
Breaking down UNLV’s basketball game against Texas Christian at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center:
BACKCOURT
UNLV fans can think about what could have been when they watch TCU point guard Jaylen Fisher, who signed with the Rebels last year. Fisher, instead, made his way to TCU and is averaging 11.5 points and 6.0 assists. All three starting guards average in double figures.
Edge: TCU
FRONTCOURT
The Horned Frogs have outrebounded all four opponents, and even a UNLV team at full strength would have a difficult time against TCU. Now the Rebels might be without Christian Jones and Cheickna Dembele with foot injuries, or could have both at less than full strength.
Edge: TCU
BENCH
Eleven Frogs average in double-figure minutes, so coach Jamie Dixon isn’t afraid to go deep into his bench. UNLV coach Marvin Menzies has been experimenting with his lineups as well, but TCU looks a little deeper.
Edge: TCU
INTANGIBLES
This is TCU’s first road game, so the Frogs will be challenged to keep up their high level of play, which has occurred against less-than-stellar competition. UNLV hasn’t played a tough schedule yet, either, but the Rebels are at home and are getting better every game. This game represents the first true test of where both teams stand, and the differences between them don’t appear to be substantial.
Edge: UNLV
BETTING LINE:
TCU -5½
Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.
