Big UNLV sports day kicks off
The UNLV men’s basketball team is getting ready to tip off against 16th ranked Louisville at the Thomas & Mack Center in the start of a big doubleheader day for the school.
The football team closes the season, and the Mike Sanford era, with a home game against San Diego State at 7.
The crowd at the Thomas & Mack appears only focused on hoops right now, though.
This is the first true test for a young basketball team that looks better than expected early in the season.
The prevailing thought was that this team would take more time to mesh.
Louisville comes in as a 3-point favorite, but UNLV has more depth. If the defense continues to play the way it has been playing, the Rebels may have an advantage.
The crowd should help. It is very loud in here and the game hasn’t even started.
Pitino
UNLV fans clearly haven’t lost their anti-Rick Pitino passion. The Louisville coach once snubbed UNLV when the head coaching position was open.
He added fuel to the fire last year when he didn’t shake Lon Kruger’s hand after UNLV’s upset victory in Louisville.
The student section is very fired up today and will no doubt have something to say about Pitino’s scandalous offseason.
Big guys
The UNLV centers will have to play a solid game for the Rebels to have a chance in this one.
Samardo Samuels might be one of the best centers UNLV faces all year.
The rotation of Brice Massamba, Darris Santee and Matt Shaw will all have to provide effective minutes on him.
Massamba will get the first crack.
