The UNLV Rebels (11-1, 7-4 ATS, 7-4 O/U) take on the San Jose State Spartans (9-4, 8-4 ATS, 5-7 O/U) in an MWC battle on Wednesday evening. The Rebels posted a convincing home victory against Southern Mississippi last time out. The Spartans recorded a dominating home win against Cal Poly in their previous action. UNLV won both meetings last season.
The UNLV Rebels had a remarkable string of non-conference games and are heading into MWC play with only one defeat all season. The Rebels won their first ten games of the season including notable victories against Dayton and Minnesota. The lone defeat was a narrow 75-73 loss to San Francisco. The Rebels were large 8.5-point favorites in a 74-63 home win against Southern Mississippi last time out. They have covered the spread in all but four games this season.
EJ Harkless continues to shine, recording at least 19 points in three consecutive games. The senior guard has reached the 20-point mark three times on the season and is averaging 15.5 PPG on 38% shooting. Keshon Gilbert has cooled down a bit, posting 13 points in his last two games. The sophomore guard is having a solid year, recording 14 PPG on 50% shooting. Luis Rodriguez has shot at least 50% in back-to-back games. The senior guard is posti ng 12.8 PPG and 5.8 RPG.
AND ONEEEE @ejay_hoops2 pic.twitter.com/POeZiFtfZD
— UNLV Men's Basketball (@TheRunninRebels) December 23, 2022
The Rebels are ranked 75th in DI in Ken Pomeroy’s ratings and were projected to finish 6th in the MWC preseason poll. UNLV won their only true road game against San Diego. UNLV is scoring an average of 78.2 points, ranking them 75th. The defense has been stellar most of the season and is conceding an average of 62.7 points, placing them 47th in DI.