UNLV vs. Boise State Preview: Rebels Want Momentum on the Road

Word came across the wire earlier today from UNLV basketball that starting forward, Dwayne Morgan (one of the Rebels' last true forwards on the squad this year) is labeled as "out indefinitely."  The Sophomore injured his shoulder in shoot around on Saturday.  Even though UNLV reports his MRI revealed no significant damage, he is out.  So, the Rebels forge on without any true center or powerful forward and face Boise State Tuesday night.

The Rebels recently came away with an improbable victory against in-state rival UNR.  The win placed UNLV in the sixth spot in conference.  And truly, position in conference headed into the conference tournament in two weeks has become everything for a team who is no longer in contention for the regular season championship.

The Boise State Broncos have a respectable overall record of 17-10, and despite a strong start to the conference season, they have been quite unpredictable coming down the stretch.  They are currently 8-6 in conference play and they are coming off a heartbreaking loss against New Mexico where they led by as many as 15 within the final six minutes.  This kind of erratic play has led them to drop three of their last four games.

For the Rebels, containing Anthony Drmic, the highly skilled guard for the Broncos, will be key.  Conversely for BSU, they will contend with a similarly talented guard in Patrick McCaw.  UNLV will play once again without significant strength or size inside.  This primarily all guard line up will match well with the fast paced Broncos, but a key to this game - for both teams - could be inside rebounding.

However, the Broncos, playing at home, have the advantage in this match up.  They will be seeking some resolve for their surprising loss against the Lobos, and unless the Rebels can ride the momentum of a soaring victory from Saturday night, they will face defeat in Boise Tuesday evening.

Prediction: Boise State 71, UNLV 63