The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (9-7) will try to slow down the Mountain West’s top shooting team when they take on the New Mexico Lobos (10-6) at Thomas & Mack Center. The game starts at 10:00 pm ET on Tuesday, Jan. 12 and will air on CCS.
The Runnin’ Rebels lost a tough one against Wyoming 59-57 on Saturday. Ike Nwamu was one of the best players for the Runnin’ Rebels, contributing 10 points and three rebounds. The Lobos, meanwhile, are coming off a 77-59 win over Utah State on Saturday. Tim Williams led the game in scoring with 21 points on 9-for-13 shooting.
It could be a sloppy game for the New Mexico offense, which ranks 323rd in the nation in ball security (TO% of 21.6%). It’ll be facing the ball-hawking UNLV defense, which forces the 11th-most turnovers in the nation (23.7%).
Notes
New Mexico won its last game by an 18-point margin. In games decided by a margin of 18 points or more, UNLV is 5-0. New Mexico is 5-2 in blowouts this season.
With 72.1 possessions and 1.045 points per possession, the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels perform worse on both metrics than the New Mexico Lobos. New Mexico averages 73.5 possessions and 1.053 points per possession.
New Mexico has an average effective field goal percentage of 52.7%. UNLV is a winning 2-1 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
UNLV attempts an average of 20.0 three pointers per game and New Mexico attempts 17.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels have a 5-4 record while the New Mexico Lobos have a 3-2 record.
UNLV ranks 28th in blocks per game with 5.4 and New Mexico ranks 99th with 4.2 blocks per game.
UNLV ranks 21st in steals per game with 8.7. When New Mexico gives up 8 or more steals, the team has an even 4-4 record.
