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The UNLV Runnin' Rebels are expected to be a force next year in college basketball and they have set up a tough non-conference schedule, particularly on the road. There are plenty of gimme games with Northern Arizona, Jacksonville State, La Verne and others, but the road slate is somewhat daunting with trips to California, UTEP and North Carolina.
Their home schedule is not heavy on top teams as the best ones coming to town are either Cincinnati or Iowa State (part of a tournament) and Northern Iowa is usually a solid team.
Head coach Dave Rice talks about the schedule:
"We will continue to play high-profile games," Rice said. "We're willing to play anyone in a home-and-home situation, and that will continue to be our philosophy moving forward."
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"We certainly feel like we will be challenged with this schedule," said Rice, who anticipates future schedules to feature more marquee games."
While the 2012 home non-conference schedule is lacking, but they will host Illinois in 2013 as well as Louisville in 2014. Plus UNLV starts a four-game series with Arizona beginning in 2013.
Here is their full 2012-13 non-conference schedule:
Mon., Nov. 12, Northern Arizona, Thomas & Mack Center
Sat., Nov. 17, Jacksonville State, Thomas & Mack Center
Fri., Nov. 23, Oregon, Thomas & Mack Center
Sat., Nov. 24, Cincinnati/Iowa State, Thomas & Mack Center
Wed., Nov. 28, UC Irvine, Thomas & Mack Center
Sat., Dec. 1, Hawaii, Thomas & Mack Center
Tues., Dec. 4, at Portland, Portland, Ore.
Sun., Dec. 9, at California, Berkeley, Calif.
Thurs., Dec. 13, La Verne, Orleans Arena
Mon., Dec. 17, at UTEP, El Paso, Texas
Wed., Dec. 19, Northern Iowa, Thomas & Mack Center
Sat., Dec. 22, Canisius, Thomas & Mack Center
Sat., Dec. 29, at North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Thurs., Jan. 3, Chicago State, Thomas & Mack Center
Sat., Jan. 5, CSU Bakersfield, Thomas & Mack Center
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