Wyoming at UNLV preview: Pokes must score big in must-win game against Rebs

Wyoming senior Larry Nance, Jr. (mononucleosis) returned to action Wednesday after missing four games with an illness. The Mountain West Preseason Player of the Year scored nine points and grabbed eight rebounds, but his effort wasn't enough to help the Cowboys beat Fresno State.

The Cowboys, 21-7 overall and 10-5 in conference, will need Nance as close to full strength as he can be if they want to earn a win Saturday at UNLV.

The Rebels (15-13, 6-9 MW) have lost three of their last four games and allow an average of 65 points per game. Wyoming must score around that mark in order to sweep UNLV this season.

UNLV leads the all-time series with Wyoming 34-15 and hasn't lost to the Pokes since 2003 at home (13 consecutive wins).

Wyoming edged UNLV 76-71 in each team's first meeting Dec. 31. Nance poured in 29 points and four Cowboys scored 10 or more points.

Josh Adam is fresh from a 22-point performance against Fresno State and should help Nance lead Wyoming on offense Saturday.

Christian Wood continues to stand out for the Rebs. He averages 15 points and almost 10 rebounds per game.

With UNLV out of conference title contention, it wouldn't be surprising to see Wyoming leave it all on the floor against the Rebels. It's two games behind No. 24 San Diego State and needs to win out to have an outside chance of winning the Mountain West title.