UNLV is facing a challenging period, having lost two consecutive Mountain West basketball games, as they prepare to take on Boise State on Tuesday night at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Rebels come into the matchup nursing the wounds from a blowout loss against Wyoming, where they struggled significantly, and a narrow defeat against Colorado State.
As the team gears up for the game, UNLV holds a record of 7-8 and a 2-2 standing in Mountain West play. The Rebels began their conference season strong with two home victories but hit a roadblock with their recent performances, including an overwhelming 98-66 defeat at Wyoming, where they were unable to assert themselves. They almost secured a win at Colorado State but ultimately fell 70-62 after a late run by the Rams.
At home, UNLV has performed well, holding a 5-2 record. The team ranks second among league opponents in blocks, averaging 4.40 per game. However, they have been struggling from beyond the arc and find themselves in the middle of the pack in terms of assists while demonstrating notable defensive skills, ranking second in steals.
Leading the scoring for the Rebels is guard Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn, averaging 16.2 points per game, followed by Kimani Hamilton with 12.4 points, Tyrin Jones at 10.9 points, and Issac Williamson close behind at 10.8 points. Impressively, Jones is among a select group of Division I players who are averaging at least 10 points and two blocks while maintaining a shooting percentage of 60% or better.
Conversely, Boise State enters the game struggling with a record of 9-7 and a disappointing 1-4 in the Mountain West. The Broncos have lost their last three games, facing defeats at the hands of Grand Canyon and Utah State. Their offensive struggles are evident as they rank eighth in the conference for scoring, and they sit last in shooting accuracy at just 43%. Defensively, they are ranked ninth, allowing opponents to shoot at a 45% clip.
Despite these challenges, Boise State has shown strength on the boards, particularly in offensive rebounds, but their overall performance has been hindered by a low assist average of 13 and a last-place ranking in steals. Leading their scoring efforts is forward Drew Fielder at 12.7 points per game, closely followed by Andrew Meadow with 12.3 points. Notably, Boise State has a road record of 1-2 this season.
The matchup is anticipated to be crucial for both teams, as they seek to turn their fortunes around in the competitive Mountain West landscape. UNLV will be looking to capitalize on their home court advantage while Boise State aims to regain confidence and momentum. The game is set to tip off at 8 p.m. and will be broadcasted on CBS Sports Network, with radio coverage available on KWWN. As both teams confront their respective issues, this clash may prove pivotal in redefining their seasons moving forward.