Preview: Air Force Falcons at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels look to build momentum as they open Mountain West Conference play against the struggling Air Force Falcons on Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center.

UNLV (6-6) enters the contest having won three of its last four, including an 89-47 rout of La Sierra on Monday. The Rebels’ offense has shown potency, averaging 81.3 points over that four-game stretch. Sophomore guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn has been the catalyst, erupting for 28 points in a win over Fresno State and averaging 18.8 points in his last four outings.

Air Force (3-10) seeks to halt a five-game losing skid, its latest a 68-56 home loss to Wyoming on Tuesday. The Falcons have struggled offensively, failing to reach 70 points in any game during their current slide and averaging just 60.2 points in their last five contests. They will lean on forward Eli Robinson, who posted 10 points, five rebounds and two blocks against Wyoming.

The matchup pits UNLV’s high-paced attack against Air Force’s deliberate style. The Rebels have shown vulnerabilities, notably in a home loss to Tennessee State, but their athleticism presents a significant challenge for the Falcons. Air Force’s defense, allowing 73.2 points per game, will be tested by a UNLV squad that has scored 84 or more points in three of its six victories.

Historically, UNLV has dominated the series at home. The Falcons’ last win in Las Vegas came in 2017.

For Air Force, a conference road opener offers a chance to reset a difficult season. For UNLV, it is an opportunity to establish an early foothold in the Mountain West standings before a tough upcoming stretch that includes road games at Wyoming and Colorado State.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST Saturday.