What to watch tonight

When college basketball teams hit the floor to play exhibition games against usually far-inferior opponents, most fans like to see their team run up the score and in turn, the expectations for the upcoming season.

In reality, the score means nothing.

But there is a great deal that can be taken from the game for those who care to look deeper than the box score.

Tonight’s UNLV game against Washburn at the Thomas & Mack Center is one of those situations.

There are some known commodities on this roster. There is little question that Wink Adams, Rene Rougeau and Joe Darger will be fine in their spots.

The more important player to keep an eye on will be Tre’Von Willis. He is a tremendously talented player, but it will be interesting to see how he handles his role as point guard in the Rebels system.

His points will come, but this will be the first glimpse of how he adjusts to bringing the ball up the floor and getting his teammates involved.

Oscar Bellfield will make his debut at the collegiate level. He is a much more natural point guard, but the leap from high school to college at the position is perhaps the toughest to make.

The low post will be the other position to watch tonight. Beas Hamga had all the hype before last season, but Darris Santee will likely get the majority of minutes down low for this team.

Brice Massamba has battled minor injuries in practice and has some work to do on his game, but he has clearly been well-coached and looks to be a polished post player.

Nevertheless, Hamga is the player fans have been waiting for over a year to see. After a disappointing ruling by the NCAA last season, he had to sit out all of last season. Now he will finally be on the court for the Rebels.

The game tips off at 7:30 p.m.

Mareceo Rutledge struggled to adapt to the Division I level after transferring from junior college last season, but had a good offseason and hopes to continue that progress through his senior season. Also, DeShawn Mitchell will delight fans with his athleticism. Watch for a highlight-reel dunk by the freshman from New Jersey.

San Diego star suspended

University of San Diego Gyno Pomare remains suspended indefinitely from the team for a violation of team rules.

It is unknown whether they will play in Saturday’s season opener at UNLV.

Pomare was an All-West Coast Conference player last season and is on the preseason team this year. He missed the team’s exhibition game last Saturday along with backup forward Clinton Houston.

Head coach Bill Grier told the San Diego Union Tribune both players are practicing and the suspensions are considered indefinite.
In their exhibition game, the Toreros narrowly defeated Cal State Los Angeles, 71-67.