Las Vegas Invitational serves up three games in five days for UNLV

As a whole, UNLV's nonconference journey could turn into a gantlet run. So far, though, coach Dave Rice has been able to jog his basketball team through a warmup phase of the schedule.

The Rebels are showing dramatic improvement since a sloppy exhibition performance on Nov. 1, and facing a few soft opponents early proved beneficial.

"Sometimes as a coach, you would rather have practices, but I think this is a group that has needed game experience," Rice said. "The fact that we've made progress from game to game gets us ready for the stretch that's coming up."

UNLV (4-0) plays three games in the next five days and begins by hosting Cal Poly (2-1) in the second round of the Las Vegas Invitational at 7:30 p.m. today at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The eight-team event continues Friday and Saturday at Orleans Arena. The Rebels play Southern California in a semifinal, with a potential matchup against No. 1 North Carolina looming in the final.

Aside from those games, after Thanksgiving and before Christmas, UNLV will go on the road to play UC Santa Barbara, Wichita State, Wisconsin and Illinois, and host Texas-El Paso and California.

"We've learned a lot and we've struggled a lot, but we've definitely grown as a team," sophomore forward Mike Moser said. "We know how to play to each other's strengths.

"I think we've definitely learned a lot about ourselves these last four games, and now it's time for a stretch against some really tough teams. We're aware it's going to get down to the nitty-gritty here. It's going to be interesting to see how we react."

A transfer from UCLA, Moser has made a quick transition after redshirting last season. He was named the Mountain West Conference player of the week on Monday after leading the Rebels to victories over UNR, Canisius and Morgan State.

Moser said he's not surprised he's averaging team highs of 16.5 points and 14.3 rebounds per game.

"I'm shocked," he said. "It's always a good goal to go for, but I never thought I would get it and be able to sustain it like I am. But I feel like it's something I can keep doing. I'm starting to shock myself less and less, so that's good."

Moser was dominant Sunday with 23 points and 17 rebounds as UNLV beat Morgan State 92-55 and topped 90 points in back-to-back games for the first time since 2004.

"His numbers are terrific, and I think that just really tells half of the story," Rice said. "He's a guy who makes his teammates better. He makes us really hard to guard. His ability to get defensive rebounds and then on occasion push the ball in transition really puts a lot of pressure on the defense."

The Rebels are also receiving significant scoring contributions from seniors Oscar Bellfield and Chace Stanback, and juniors Justin Hawkins and Anthony Marshall.

But their next two opponents won't be eager to run.

Cal Poly and USC each play at a deliberate pace, as evidenced by the Mustangs' 42-36 victory over the Trojans on Saturday.

"They are very patient and disciplined on offense, and they put a real premium on getting defensive stops," Rice said. "It's going to be a challenge for us just because of how they play.

"We don't change anything that we do regardless of the opponent, but I think one thing we do need to do is be really patient defensively. When teams are a little more conservative on their offensive end, because we want to get out and run, sometimes we get a little bit impatient and try to steal the ball. It's really important for us to maintain our defensive discipline."

Rice praised UNLV's consistent defensive intensity. Moser assured the team's focus is where it should be, as well.

As for a potential Saturday showdown with the Tar Heels, Moser said, "We're definitely not looking ahead."

■ NOTES -- As of Monday, approximately 1,000 tickets remained for the LVI games at Orleans Arena. … Today's game is part of a doubleheader with the UNLV women's team. The Lady Rebels (4-0) host Texas-San Antonio at 5 p.m

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.