Breaking down UNLV’s game against San Jose State
Breaking down UNLV’s basketball game against San Jose State at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Thomas & Mack Center:
Backcourt
Jordan Johnson is an excellent passer, but he’s been aggressive offensively for the Rebels. He has scored in double figures in the past eight games and 11 of 12. Teammate Jovan Mooring is capable of going on a big scoring streak at any time. San Jose State’s Noah Baumann made 4 of 5 3-pointers and scored 12 points in the first meeting.
Edge: UNLV
Frontcourt
The Rebels had trouble stopping San Jose State’s Ryan Welage in the first meeting. He made 8 of 15 shots (3 of 7 from 3-point range) and scored 23 points as the Spartans nearly upset the Rebels in an eventual 82-76 overtime victory for UNLV. But moving Tervell Beck into the starting lineup paid off for the Rebels in their 88-78 victory over San Diego State on Saturday, and post players Brandon McCoy and Shakur Juiston each scored 21 points.
Edge: UNLV
Bench
San Jose State’s Jaycee Hillsman has started seven games this season and played in all 20, averaging 8.1 points. The Rebels are deeper, with Amauri Hardy and Mbacke Diong each playing valuable minutes.
Edge: UNLV
Intangibles
The Rebels are big favorites, which means there is no pressure on San Jose State. And if the Spartans find a way to hang around, that could cause UNLV players to tighten up.
Edge: San Jose State
Betting line
UNLV 18; total 149
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Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.
