Mountain West Showdown: First-Place New Mexico Takes on UNLV Rebels in Sin City
The New Mexico Lobos (16-4, 8-1 MW) face the UNLV Rebels (11-8, 5-3 MW) in a crucial Mountain West Conference matchup at the Thomas & Mack Center. The game tips off Saturday at 1:00 p.m. MT on FOX.
Basketball player leaping, New Mexico
The Lobos enter as conference leaders, matching their best nine-game league start since 2013-14. They're riding momentum from two dominant home wins against Boise State (84-65) and Fresno State (95-67).
Basketball coach gestures during game
Key Players:
Lobos:
- Donovan Dent: Leads MW in scoring (18.9 ppg) and assists
- Nelly Junior Joseph: Conference's only player averaging double-double
- Mustapha Amzil: 13.2 ppg, coming off strong performance
Player dribbling basketball during game
UNLV:
- Dedan Thomas Jr.: 15.8 ppg, 4.5 assists
- Jaden Henley and Jailen Bedford: Key scoring support
- Jeremiah "Bear" Cherry: 5.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks per game
UNLV player dribbles basketball
Series History:
- UNLV leads 43-26 overall
- Rebels dominate at home (21-9)
- Won 10 of last 11 meetings
- Lobos seeking first road win since 2018
Basketball coach yelling during game
Current Form:
- New Mexico: Won 9 of last 10, averaging 83.9 ppg
- UNLV: Won 6 of last 9, strong 8-2 home record
Basketball players competing at Lobos game
Key Stats:
- Lobos: 48.7% FG, 43.3% 3PT in last game
- UNLV: 71.2 ppg scoring, 70.1 ppg allowed
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basketball team celebrates on bench
Prediction: New Mexico 84, UNLV 72 The Lobos' offensive firepower and defensive efficiency should overcome UNLV's home-court advantage.
Next Up: New Mexico visits Utah State next Saturday, followed by a home game against Colorado State on February 5.
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