BYU vs. UNLV
Free Pick: UNLV (February 6th 2010 – Matt Fargo)
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UNLV is riding a four-game winning streak heading into this game and possibly even more importantly is that the Rebels have had eight days off since their last game prior to Wednesday so they will nice and fresh heading into this BYU game which beings a tough three-game stretch. After this the Rebels host New Mexico and then are at San Diego St. so they will be facing the top three teams, besides themselves, starting with this game on Saturday. This series is turning into one of the better rivalries in the conference and UNLV will be playing for some revenge in this rematch. The Rebels lost the first meeting in Provo by four points but there is no shame in that defeat as BYU is 13-0 at home this season and that four-point margin is the only single-digit margin of victory for the Cougars at home this season. The Rebels had won the previous three meetings including a two-game series sweep a season ago so BYU was playing with its own revenge in mind back in early January. UNLV had every chance of winning that game as it outshot BYU 46 percent to 36.8 percent but it was at the wrong end of free throws as the Cougars had double the amount of attempts and had a 19-8 scoring edge from the charity stripe and that was the ultimate difference. Offense has been key for UNLV during this recent run as it has shot 50.0 percent or better from the field in four consecutive games after topping 50 percent just twice in the first 18 contests. It will need a strong offense to match that of the Cougars. All-American guard Jimmer Fredette was not 100 percent in that first meeting as he was battling a case of mono and he was held to just seven points on 2-10 shooting in that first meeting so you know that he will be stoked for this rematch. BYU had its 15-game winning streak snapped in its last road game at New Mexico and at 6-2 on the season, it is clear that the Cougars are not same team on the road. That record is outstanding for a road mark for most teams but it could be worse as of those six wins, three came by six points or less so there is definitely some vulnerability there. One aspect that the Cougars thrive in taking case of the ball and playing efficiently as they have a 1.38 assist/turnover ratio on the season. This is one game where they will not have a big advantage however as UNLV comes in with a 1.33 ratio. The loss of guard Derrick Jasper is a big absence for the Rebels but this is a guard-oriented team and a deep one at that. The fact that UNLV has used such a deep rotation this season could now prove beneficial as it will take several replacements to fill the void left by Jasper. Guard Kendall Wallace’s experience, as he’s already started six games this season, is important making him a nice fit in the rotation with the first-teamers. A win here will put the Rebels into a first place tie with BYU in the MWC, making this a huge game in front of the raucous home crowd. 3* UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

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