Breaking down UNLV’s game against Air Force Tuesday
Breaking down UNLV’s basketball game against Air Force at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Thomas & Mack Center:
Backcourt
UNLV’s Kris Clyburn is making the most of his senior season, averaging 15.3 points and 6.1 rebounds in Mountain West play. He is joined by teammates Amauri Hardy (13.0 in MW play) and Noah Robotham (9.5). A.J. Walker averages 11.3 points in conference play for Air Force.
Edge: UNLV
Frontcourt
The Falcons outrebounded UNLV 35-31 last month at Air Force, and Lavelle Scottie and Ryan Swan are having strong seasons. Scottie averages 17.5 points and 5.4 rebounds against conference opponents, and Swan is at 11.7 and 8.4. UNLV’s Mbacke Diong (ankle) didn’t play in the first meeting, and he averages 5.7 points and 6.1 rebounds against league teams.
Edge: Air Force
Bench
The Falcons don’t have the roster limits of other schools, and eight players average double-digit minutes in conference play. Fifteen players have checked into at least three games involving Mountain West opponents.
Edge: Air Force
Intangibles
The Rebels remember the embarrassment they felt in losing 106-88 at Air Force in the first meeting. The Falcons also are a different team away from home, going 1-4 in the conference and 1-7 overall.
Edge: UNLV
Betting line
UNLV -9; total 142½
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Contact Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.
