Breaking down the UNLV-Florida A&M basketball game
Breaking down the UNLV basketball game against Florida A&M at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center:
BACKCOURT
UNLV finally has a true point guard, and Jordan Johnson will get his teammates involved. Last season’s point guard, Jovan Mooring, became the team leader and will be counted on to continue that role as he plays both guard positions. FAMU’s Marcus Barham scored 10 points in the Rattlers’ 67-51 loss at Grand Canyon on Friday, but also committed seven turnovers.
Edge: UNLV
FRONTCOURT
With the additions of Brandon McCoy and Shakur Juiston, this is a category the Rebels should have the advantage in most games, and Saturday won’t be any different. Forward Desmond Williams, who had 15 points and eight rebounds against Grand Canyon, is the Rattlers’ best player.
Edge: UNLV
BENCH
The Rebels didn’t have a lot of depth last season, but that shouldn’t be an issue this time with promising players such as Anthonh Smith and Cheikh Mbacke Diong. Coach Marvin Menzies hopes to go at least nine deep on a regular basis, and games like this one should be a great opportunity to see how different players respond in a game situation.
Edge: UNLV
INTANGIBLES
It’s a tough spot for FAMU, which plays the second of back-to-back games far away from home. Especially given UNLV will try to push the pace, the Rattlers might not have much left by the second half.
Edge: UNLV
BETTING LINE
UNLV -23½; total 144
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Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.
