UNLV and WSU Keys to a win

            This is the pregame look at how the teams stack up on paper. Looking at UNLV, they have some big starters. The Rebels will likely start Oscar Bellfield (0), Mike Moser (43), Chace Stanback (22), Anthony Marshall (3), and Brice Massamba (12). This team starts three seniors in Bellfield, Massamba, and Stanback. UNLV has noone under 6 foot and has depth. 9 out of their 12 players, has gotten in on every game and they are undefeated. However, this team has beaten UNC ranked number 1, but dropped to number 5 in new polls. This is the first game that the Rebels will not be in neutral territory or at home. There is one person who has not been mentioned yet and that is Justin Hawkins who is a junior guard and averaging 11 points a game. This is a team that picks up each other's slack. Hawkins was the leading scorer against Grand Canyon with 25 and against Reno Nevada with 13.  The next three games the leading scorer was their big man down low Moser, who has 19,23, and 14. Finally, the last two games were split by Oscar Bellfield with 14 against USC and Chace Stanback with 28 against UNC. The leading rebounder for every game with the exception of Cal Poly was Mike Moser. However, the one game he wasn't the leading rebounder was Brice Massamba. 

The Shockers will have to play strong defense, without fouling. This will be one of WSU's biggest keys to winning. UNLV has a free throw percentage of 69%. The shockers will have to keep the Rebels outside the paint for a fighting chance. UNLV has no one over 50% shooting from three point range. The Rebels best three point shooters are Wallace and Bellfield, so keeping the ball out of their hands or making them force the shot will give WSU a fair chance. I know this will sound basic, but the shockers need to rebound and box out UNLV. UNLV dominates in both Offensive and Defensive rebounding. Stutz and Hall need to fight for the ball, because Moser has already had almost 100 rebounds. The shockers will need be on their A game. Wichita State will be the underdog for this game and can easily knock UNLV from their number 18 spot in the polls. WSU needs to handle the ball, out rebound the rebels, and take smart shots. 

         The shockers need to slow the game down and make smart shots and then be prepared to put pressure on UNLV. UNLV scores a majority of their points in the second half, so the shockers will need to keep pace. UNLV has better defense in the second half and has more rebounds and points after the rebound. The shockers can win, but needs to play like the fans know they can. Wichita State needs to try and shut down Moser as soon as possible. In his last game, he led the team with 36 points. If we can do this, WSU will need to contest shots from UNLV. Shocker fans will need to be the sixth man for the shockers to throw UNLV off their game. This is one of the games in WSU's schedule that could help them earn an NCAA bid. This game could set the shockers back into the NCAA's eyes. Wichita State needs to force the fouls from UNLV and then finish them by sinking a high majority of their free throws.