The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (11-7, 5-2) return to the Thomas & Mack Center on Tuesday night to face the Wyoming Cowboys in a crucial Mountain West Conference matchup. Riding a two-game winning streak, UNLV looks to maintain its momentum after defeating No. 22 Utah State at home and securing a road win at San Diego State. With an impressive 8-1 home record and wins in seven of their last 10 games, the Runnin’ Rebels are tied for third in the conference standings.

Sophomore guard Dedan Thomas Jr. continues to lead the way for UNLV, averaging 15.8 points and 4.5 assists per game, ranking third in the Mountain West and was named the conference’s Player of the Week on Monday. He played a pivotal role in the recent win at San Diego State, contributing 19 points, five assists, and eight of UNLV’s final 11 points. Jeremiah “Bear” Cherry has been a key force inside, averaging 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, while Jaden Henley and Julian Rishwain add valuable scoring depth. Head coach Kevin Kruger’s team seems to have found a rhythm as of late and will look to build upon the momentum coming off of two upset wins.

Wyoming (7-11, 3-4) comes into the matchup looking to end a three-game losing streak. The Cowboys are led by Obi Agbim, who averages 18.8 points per game, the second-highest in the conference, and is the Mountain West’s most accurate 3-point shooter at 46.2%. Jordan Nesbitt leads Wyoming on the boards with 7.2 rebounds per game, while first-year head coach Sundance Wicks continues to develop his team after being picked to finish ninth in the preseason conference poll. Wyoming has struggled on the road this season with a 2-4 record, which will add to the challenge of facing a surging UNLV squad at the Thomas & Mack Center.

For UNLV, maintaining defensive pressure and controlling the boards will be key to neutralizing Agbim and Wyoming’s offensive threats. With a strong home-court advantage and momentum on their side, the Runnin’ Rebels have a prime opportunity to secure another victory and solidify their position in the Mountain West race.

Dedan Thomas Jr. Named Mountain West Player of the Week After Leading UNLV to Key Wins

NIU’s Move to Mountain West Reunites UNLV with a Former Rival

Top 5 NBA Stars in UNLV Basketball History

UNLV Track & Field Shines at Lumberjack Team Challenge in Season Opener

Associated Press

Wyoming Cowboys (9-9, 2-5 MWC) at UNLV Rebels (11-7, 5-2 MWC)

Las Vegas; Tuesday, 11 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Wyoming visits UNLV after Obi Agbim scored 26 points in Wyoming’s 79-63 loss to the Colorado State Rams.

The Rebels are 8-1 in home games. UNLV is ninth in the MWC in rebounding averaging 30.7 rebounds. Jeremiah Cherry leads the Rebels with 5.3 boards.

The Cowboys are 2-5 in MWC play. Wyoming is seventh in the MWC with 31.2 rebounds per game led by Jordan Nesbitt averaging 7.2.

UNLV’s average of 7.1 made 3-pointers per game this season is just 0.2 more made shots on average than the 6.9 per game Wyoming gives up. Wyoming has shot at a 45.0% clip from the field this season, 1.9 percentage points above the 43.1% shooting opponents of UNLV have averaged.

The Rebels and Cowboys match up Tuesday for the first time in MWC play this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Dedan Thomas Jr. is scoring 15.8 points per game and averaging 2.1 rebounds for the Rebels.

Nesbitt is averaging 8.4 points and 7.2 rebounds for the Cowboys.

LAST 10 GAMES: Rebels: 7-3, averaging 70.8 points, 31.4 rebounds, 12.9 assists, 6.0 steals and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 46.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 68.7 points per game.

Cowboys: 4-6, averaging 66.0 points, 27.1 rebounds, 10.2 assists, 3.6 steals and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting 44.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 70.5 points.

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.