Rebels Go For Back To Back Conference W’s
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com)
After winning its second game against a ranked team this season – this time at No. 21 New Mexico in front of a sold-out crowd at The Pit on Saturday, the UNLV men’s basketball team (12-3 overall, 1-2 Mountain West) will return home to the Thomas & Mack Center to host Boise State (12-4, 2-1) on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 8 p.m.
EJ Harkless scored 21 of his season- and game-high 25 points in the second half, while four other Runnin’ Rebels finished in double figures in points: Keshon Gilbert (14), Jordan McCabe (12), Luis Rodriguez (12) and David Muoka (11) in the win Saturday night in Albuquerque. Harkless was named the MW’s Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for his efforts. Muoka had a team-high seven rebounds, while Harkless and Rodriguez each grabbed six. Gilbert and Harkless each dished out a game-high five assists, while Gilbert recorded a career-high-tying four steals. It was the Lobos’ first loss of the season on their home court.
Boise State comes to Las Vegas having won two straight games (vs. San Jose State, 67-64, on Jan. 3 and vs. Utah State, 82-59, on Saturday) and 11 of its last 13. The Broncos have four players averaging in double figures in scoring: Marcus Shaver Jr. (14.5 ppg, 9th in MW), Tyson Degenhart (13.4 ppg), Max Rice (11.9 ppg), and Chibuzo Agbo (11.5 ppg). Shaver Jr. also leads the team in rebounding (6.8 RPG, 7th in MW), assists (3.8 APG, 6th in MW), and steals (2.0 SPG, 4th in MW). Boise State, who is receiving a vote in the Coaches Poll, ranks 17th in the country in scoring defense (59.7) and 18th in field goal percentage defense (38.4). Boise State is the defending Mountain West champions as it went 27-8 overall and 15-3 in the league last season before winning the conference tournament. The Broncos ended their season in the NCAA Tournament’s first round against Memphis. This season’s team was picked to finish third out of 11 in the MW’s preseason poll. Boise State’s 16-man roster includes eight upperclassmen. The Broncos are coached by Leon Rice, who is in his 13th season at the school with a career record of 256-149 (.632).
Wednesday’s game will feature another $2 Beer Night and UNLV students will have the chance to win tickets to a concert featuring Future.
UNLV men’s basketball season ticket pricing has been adjusted for the 2022-23 season, with affordability and family-friendly value at the forefront of the changes. Tickets may be purchased online at UNLVtickets.com, on the phone by calling 702-739-FANS (3267), or in person at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office.