UNLV vs. Air Force game preview: Rebels looking to win consecutive games

It's Family Fun Night at the Thomas and Mack Center on Saturday night, and the Rebel spirit is beginning to flow through the arena once again after UNLV's first win in conference play against New Mexico earlier this week.  The Runnin' Rebels hope to keep their fan families entertained by snagging another win against Air Force tonight.

Air Force has an identical record to Las Vegas.  Not only are they 10-7 overall, but they also are currently 1-3 in conference play.  Currently, the Falcons are in the same place that UNLV was in last week.  They've lost 3 straight games, but different from the Rebels, some of these losses have been ugly (like a loss to Reno, 86-63).

Trevor Lyons continues to be one of the Air Force's strongest standouts.  He has no problem scoring for the Falcons, averaging 14 ppg.  He will be the player to watch for Air Force.  And for UNLV, Patrick McCaw.  He had a game high 18 points versus the Lobos earlier this week.  Following that game up with another in the 12-18 point range would certainly help the Rebels secure a victory against pesky Air Force.

Even though most will say UNLV should bowl over the Falcons, the result should not be that extreme.  These two teams have been in similar situations throughout this season, often finding themselves on the harsh end of an expired game.  The Falcons will keep it close until the very end.

Prediction: UNLV 72, Air Force 65