Rebels look to regroup
After a disappointing outcome in the UNLV Runnin' Rebels first true road game on Wednesday night, they will get an opportunity to try again on Saturday when they travel to UC Riverside (5-3).
UNLV will need to approach this game with the same intensity that it has competed with in games against UCLA, Indiana and Oregon. This will be the Highlanders' stiffest challenge of the season, but we all know that these types of road games bring out the best in overmatched clubs.
This is the type of contest where the Rebels should rely heavily on their frontcourt. Stephen Zimmerman Jr. and Ben Carter should be able to do a lot of damage against an opponent whose tallest player, Alex Larson, is 6-foot-9 and a relative non-factor. Larson is only playing 20 minutes a game off the bench.
UC Riverside's top player, Taylor Johns, is averaging a double-double (20 points and 11 rebounds), but has only played in three games this year. In his last game against Loyola Marymount, Johns scored 24 points and grabbed 17 rebounds.
Going against talent that has NBA dreams like UNLV's, Johns is likely to try and have the type of game that catches the nation's attention. That can work for or against a player in this situation.
Guard Jaylen Bland will be the one to keep an eye on in the Highlanders' backcourt. The senior is averaging 18 points a game and is connecting on nearly 40% of his 3-point attempts. He has also been sparkling at the free throw line, hitting 88% when he gets there.
But, this game shouldn't have anything to do with Riverside. The Rebels own the decided advantage at nearly every position and have a bench that is much more productive than the Highlanders.
This contest has everything to do with the mindset that UNLV comes to play with on a Saturday afternoon. Coming off a tough loss in which many feel the Rebels let slip away, it will be important for UNLV to come out of the gates quickly and force their will upon its opponent.
UNLV never got into a pressing and trapping style against the Shockers this week due to the fact that the Rebels weren't hitting any shots in the first half. You can't force tempo and speed up the game if you aren't able to score.
It took 14 minutes before the Rebels were able to sink their fourth field goal at Wichita. That can't be the case in this road game. UNLV will need to score in order to create the style of action that they want.
Riverside has won five games this year and has held its opponent to less than 70 points in all five contests. The Highlanders are 0-3 in games that their opposition has scored 70+.
UNLV and UC Riverside have only met on the hardwood one time since 1965. The Highlanders last, and only defeat of the Rebels, happened in 1960.
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