Breaking down UNLV’s game at Fresno State

FRESNO, Calif. — Breaking down UNLV’s basketball game against Fresno State at 8 p.m. Tuesday at Save Mart Center:

Backcourt

Fresno State’s Deshon Taylor is third in the Mountain West in scoring average (19.1 points per game) and steals (1.6). Teammates Jaron Hopkins (10.8 points) and Ray Bowles Jr. (11.1) also are threats to score. UNLV’s Jovan Mooring has the ability to provided a spark at any time for the Rebels.

Edge: Fresno State

Frontcourt

Much has been made of Brandon McCoy’s defensive issues, but he is averaging 14.7 points and 7.2 rebounds in Mountain West play. Teammate Shakur Juiston averages 14.0 points and 7.8 rebounds against conference opponents. Overall, they combine to average 32.4 points and 19.7 rebounds.

Edge: UNLV

Bench

The Rebels have received some important contributions from players such as Mbacke Diong, Tervell Beck and Amauri Hardy. It was the defensive player of Diong and Beck that helped the Rebels win at Colorado State 79-74 on Saturday. Fresno State also is able to go deep into its reserves, getting effective production from players such as Terrell Carter II and Nate Grimes, who went to Desert Pines High School.

Edge: UNLV

Intangibles

This is about the time of year the Bulldogs usually begin to play their best, and they will be an especially big challenge at home.

Edge: Fresno State

Betting line

Fresno State -4½; total 154½

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Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.