UNLV Running Rebels host New Mexico Lobos in a big MWC game on FOX
Game: UNLV Rebels vs New Mexico Lobos
Date: Friday, January 25, 2025
Location: Thomas & Mack Center
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Radio: Lobo Sports Network Rob Portnoy/ Hunter Green
TV: FOX
New Mexico 16-4 (8-1 MWC) vs UNLV 11-7 (5-2 MWC)
The New Mexico Lobos and UNLV Running Rebels face off Saturday in a college basketball showdown at the Thomas & Mack Center in front of a national audience on FOX Sports.
Mountain West Showdown: New Mexico Lobos Look to Keep Rolling Against UNLV Rebels
The New Mexico men’s basketball team kicks off a two-game road stretch this Saturday against UNLV.
The game starts at 1:00 p.m. MT (noon PT) at the Thomas & Mack Center, with coverage on FOX and the Lobo Radio Network.
Photo Courtesy Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
New Mexico (16-4, 8-1 MW) leads the Mountain West Conference and has tied its best nine-game start in league play, matching the 8-1 record from the 2013-14 season.
The Lobos are riding the momentum of two dominant home wins last week, defeating Boise State (84-65) and Fresno State (95-67). Donovan Dent leads the Mountain West in scoring and assists.
Nelly Junior Joseph remains the conference’s only player, averaging a double-double in each game.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
UNLV (11-8, 5-3 MW) recently suffered a narrow 63-61 home loss to Wyoming after securing wins over No. 22 Utah State and San Diego State the previous week.
The Runnin’ Rebels have been heating up, winning six of their last nine games and boasting an impressive 8-2 record at the Thomas & Mack Center this season.
UNLV’s offensive attack is powered by three players averaging double figures, led by Dedan Thomas Jr., who paces the team with 15.8 points per game.
Supporting him are Jaden Henley and Jailen Bedford, while Jeremiah “Bear” Cherry, Julian Rishwain, and Jalen Hill each contribute between 7.8 and 11.8 points per contest.
Cherry anchors the paint, leading the Rebels with 5.5 rebounds per game and ranking second in the Mountain West with 1.6 blocks per game.
Thomas Jr. serves as the team’s floor general, dishing out 4.5 assists per game (third in the MW), while Rishwain adds defensive grit, leading the team with 1.5 steals per game.
Dedan Thomas Jr., who averages 15.8 points and 4.5 assists per game, led the Runnin’ Rebels.
Photo Courtesy of UNLV Athletics
UNLV holds a 43-26 advantage in the all-time series, including a 21-9 edge at the Thomas & Mack Center.
The Runnin’ Rebels have dominated the rivalry recently, winning 10 of the last 11 meetings. New Mexico is seeking its first road win in the series since 2018.
Following Saturday’s matchup, the Lobos will have a week off before visiting Utah State (7-1 MW) next Saturday, which promises to be very important in Mountain West Conference play.
New Mexico returns to The Pit on February 5 to host Colorado State (6-2 MW) in the PIT in Albuquerque.
This Saturday, all eyes in the Mountain West Conference will turn to Sin City as the first-place New Mexico Lobos take on the UNLV Rebels in a key matchup.
Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. EST, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as the Lobos aim to solidify their position atop the standings.
Photo Courtesy of Las Vegas SUN
At the same time, the Rebels look to bounce back after a tough home loss.
Let’s dive into the numbers, storylines, and predictions for what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Lobos’ Dominance: A Red-Hot Offense and Stifling Defense
New Mexico (16-4, 8-1 MWC) has been on a tear, winning nine of its last ten games and riding high after back-to-back blowout victories.
In its most recent outing, the Lobos dismantled Fresno State 95-67 at home, showcasing its firepower with a balanced offensive attack and stellar defense.
The Lobos shot an impressive 48.7% from the field and an even better 43.3% from beyond the arc while holding Fresno State to a paltry 36.2% shooting.
Donovan Dent led the charge who poured in 20 points, while Nelly Junior Joseph owned the glass with 15 rebounds and added 10 points.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
On the season, New Mexico boasts one of the nation’s most potent offenses, averaging 83.9 points per game (21st in the country).
Dent (18.9 ppm) leads four players scoring in double figures, including Mustapha Amzil (13.2 ppg), who found his rhythm with 15 points on 75% shooting in the last game after a cold streak. Junior Joseph (13.1 ppg, 10.1 rpg), a double-double machine, anchors the paint.
The Lobos’ recent success isn’t just about their offense. Their defense has stepped up, allowing only 72.4 points per game while forcing opponents into poor shooting performances.
However, New Mexico is 3-2 on the road this season, and the pressure will be on to maintain their momentum away from The Pit.
Rebels Reeling: Can UNLV Regroup at Home?
The UNLV Rebels (11-8, 5-3 MWC) face a critical test after a frustrating 63-61 loss to Wyoming in their last outing.
Despite playing on their home court, the Rebels struggled offensively, shooting just 39.7% from the floor and a dismal 26.3% from three-point range.
Jaden Henley and Dedan Thomas Jr. combined for 32 points in the loss but were inefficient, shooting just 11-for-27.
Photo Courtesy of UNLV Athletics
Thomas Jr., the team’s leading scorer at 15.8 ppg, has been inconsistent lately, shooting just 33.5% over his last three games.
Henley (11.8 ppg) has also struggled, but he and Thomas must step up if UNLV hopes to pull off the upset.
The Rebels are averaging 71.2 points per game this season while allowing 70.1. They’ve been strong at home, posting a 9-2 record, but their inconsistency on both ends of the floor has been a recurring issue.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
Prediction: Lobos Stay Hot
While the Rebels have been solid at home, their recent offensive struggles and inconsistency against lower-tier competition are glaring concerns.
Meanwhile, the Lobos are firing on all cylinders, with a high-octane offense that can score from all levels and a defense capable of stifling opponents.
Expect New Mexico to control the tempo early and exploit UNLV’s defensive lapses.
The Rebels will need a near-perfect game from their key players to keep pace, but the Lobos’ depth and efficiency should ultimately prove too much to handle.
The Lobos continue to be the team to beat in the Mountain West, and this matchup should further solidify their dominance in conference play.
Watch for Dent and Junior Joseph, who might deliver another statement performance.
Final Score Prediction: New Mexico 84, UNLV 72
