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Rebels return home to host Utah

The UNLV basketball team will look to build on the momentum it gained by upsetting Brigham Young in Provo on Wednesday night.

The players were all smiles as they finally escaped the Marriott Center with a victory after several ugly trips.

Now, the task becomes avoiding a letdown against a very capable Utah team.

Far too often, teams follow up impressive victories with subpar efforts the next time out.

Lon Kruger does not want to let that happen.

In fact, he was already talking about the challenge the Utes posed while still standing outside the locker room in Provo on Wednesday night.

Almost as important as the victory was the performance of Wink Adams.

The senior star has battled his abdominal injury for weeks, but had by far his best effort since initially suffering the ailment.

Late arrivers

The game was supposedly close to a sellout, but there are a ton of empty seats at the Thomas & Mack with tipoff just moments away.

Some fans coming in say there are long lines in the parking lot, so it’s possible the place will start to fill up.

Afternoon tipoffs are always a bit tricky, but a large crowd is expected with the Rebels returning home from such a large victory.

Bettors favor Utes

The bettors have been wagering on Utah like the game has already been played.

Las Vegas Sports Consultants sent out UNLV as a 7-point favorite on Friday night.

Most books thought the line was a bit too high and posted UNLV as about a 5.5 point favorite.

Money has just poured in on the Utes all day.

At last check, the number had been bet all the way down to 3.5.

There will most likely be quite a few people at the Thomas & Mack Center today that are hoping Utah keeps the game very close.

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