Breaking down the UNLV-New Mexico game

Breaking down UNLV’s basketball game against New Mexico at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Thomas & Mack Center:

Backcourt

Jordan Johnson and Jovan Mooring made the key plays down the stretch to lead UNLV to an 81-76 victory at Air Force a week ago, and the Rebels need them to produce again. New Mexico shoots 3-pointers in volume, ranking 11th nationally with 205 made shots from that distance. The game likely will come down to whether the Rebels will successfully run New Mexico’s shooters off the 3-point line.

Edge: New Mexico

Frontcourt

New Mexico prefers to play man-to-man defense, which should play into UNLV’s strengths. Opponents have been effective in zoning the Rebels and limiting the damage from Brandon McCoy and Shakur Juiston. This could be an opportunity for both players to produce big numbers.

Edge: UNLV

Bench

UNLV coach Marvin Menzies said it was uncertain whether Anthony Smith (ankle) would play, but the Rebels still can go deep, with players such as Amauri Hardy and Tervell Beck playing well. The Lobos are down to eight players at the moment.

Edge: UNLV

Intangibles

UNLV is 0-2 at home in conference play. If the Rebels get off to a slow start, all the pressure will be on them.

Edge: New Mexico

Betting line

UNLV -7½; total 161

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