Rebels’ sights clearly focused on San Diego State

What seems to be at stake for his opponent is obvious. Read between the lines, and San Diego State coach Steve Fisher explained it.

"UNLV is an NCAA Tournament team, and they would like nothing more than to get a win," Fisher said. "It's our job to not let that happen."

The Rebels have yet to prove they are definitely worthy of inclusion in the NCAA's 68-team field. But they can take a leap in that direction today by knocking off the Aztecs, who are tied atop the Mountain West Conference.

UNLV (18-6, 6-4) is hunting for a big-game victim as No. 6 San Diego State (24-1, 9-1) rolls into the Thomas & Mack Center for a 5 p.m. tip that is expected to draw a sellout crowd. As of Friday night, fewer than 1,000 tickets were available.

It's mid-February, but what happens today could have a major impact on where each team stands in the middle of March.

"Anytime you've got a top-10 team coming in, we can make a statement," Rebels sophomore guard Anthony Marshall said. "This is a big game for us."

Even coach Lon Kruger, usually understated, readily admitted a "big opportunity" is in front of UNLV. "There are a lot of reasons to make this game important," he said.

For the Aztecs, who lost at Brigham Young 71-58 on Jan. 26, a shot at the outright conference title is within reach. The Rebels, 0-4 against the league's top three teams, desperately need a high-quality win to improve their postseason credentials.

"Every game from this point on we need to approach with a killer's mentality," UNLV forward Quintrell Thomas said. "We've dug ourselves a ditch, so now every game is important. We need to approach every game with the same level of interest and respect."

The Rebels dug a hole by dropping home games to BYU and Colorado State. A rematch with San Diego State, Thomas said, is a chance for some redemption.

"Honestly, I think we owe our fans one at this point. We've let them down in games that we really should have won," he said. "So we kind of owe our fans at least one big one."

Marshall added: "I feel like that also. You've got fans who come out here and spend a lot of money for season tickets. We've got to get the fans behind us. It's going to come down to who wants it more."

When the teams met in San Diego on Jan. 12, it came down to the Aztecs' superior inside strength and the Rebels' weak outside shooting.

Kawhi Leonard, a 6-foot-7-inch forward, had 15 points and 17 rebounds and 6-9 Malcolm Thomas added 14 points and 16 rebounds to lead San Diego State to an ugly 55-49 victory. UNLV's shooters floated around the perimeter and launched 18 3-pointers, making only one.

Chace Stanback and Tre'Von Willis, the Rebels' top scorers this season, shot a combined 8-for-28, including 1-for-11 on 3s.

"That was around the time when we couldn't make a shot," Thomas said. "It seemed like they couldn't score on us, but then we got open shots for our best players and they weren't knocking them down."

The 6-8 Thomas watched most of that game from the bench, playing four minutes. But he has resurfaced in Kruger's rotation and posted double-doubles in two of the past three games.

The Aztecs' dominant forwards, a group that includes 6-8 senior Billy White from Green Valley High School, pose a scary matchup for the Rebels' three-guard lineup.

Thomas, who had 14 points and 10 rebounds in a 94-79 victory at Texas Christian on Wednesday, and 6-11 freshman Carlos Lopez are playing at much higher levels than they were a month ago.

"The team has come to depend on me more," Thomas said. "I think I've improved a lot, and I feel like I need to contribute as much as possible.

"I think I match up with them physically, so I'm hoping it will be a bit of a difference. I'm definitely looking forward to this game."

■ NOTES -- The Aztecs have won three in a row and six of the past seven against the Rebels, including a 55-45 victory in last year's MWC tournament championship game at the Thomas & Mack. ... San Diego State has a 33-game winning streak against unranked opponents. ... Sophomore guard Chase Tapley (left ankle) is probable and junior forward Tim Shelton (right foot) is doubtful for the Aztecs.

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