Preview: Grand Canyon Antelopes at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — A surging Grand Canyon team visits a struggling UNLV squad in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball matchup Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The Antelopes (14-7) have won four of their last five games, including a dominant 81-57 victory over Air Force on Tuesday. Guard Brian Moore led the way in that win with 15 points in 24 minutes. Moore has been a key contributor during the run, averaging 11.5 points over his last six contests and scoring 20 in a win over Utah State on Jan. 17.

UNLV (10-12) looks to halt a four-game skid, the latest a narrow 98-96 road loss at Fresno State on Tuesday. In that game, guard Howie Fleming scored 23 points and dished four assists, while Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn erupted for 28 points. Fleming has been inconsistent but capable of high outputs, including a 21-point, eight-assist performance in a win at San Jose State on Jan. 17.

The Runnin’ Rebels have struggled defensively during their losing streak, allowing an average of 89.5 points per game. They will face a Grand Canyon offense that has scored 80 or more points in three of its last five victories.

Grand Canyon’s recent success has been built at home, but they face a test on the road, where they suffered an 87-64 loss at New Mexico on Jan. 13. UNLV is 6-4 at home this season, including a win over then-conference leader Boise State in overtime on Jan. 13.

This game is the first of two regular-season meetings between the programs. They will meet again in Phoenix on Feb. 25.

For UNLV, the matchup represents a critical opportunity to stabilize its season before hosting San Jose State next Tuesday. Grand Canyon aims to solidify its standing near the top of the conference ahead of a pivotal homestand next week.

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