LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum before their respective conference schedules begin will meet Saturday when UNLV hosts Tennessee State in a nonconference men’s basketball game at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The Runnin’ Rebels (4-5) enter off their most significant win of the season, a 75-74 road victory over Stanford on Dec. 7. Emmanuel Stephen led the way with 18 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing the interior presence UNLV will rely on. The Rebels’ season has been marked by narrow losses and a tough early slate, falling to Maryland, Alabama and Rutgers before the Stanford breakthrough.

Tennessee State (5-4) looks to rebound from a lopsided 80-53 defeat at Alabama A&M on Dec. 3. The Tigers had won three straight prior to that setback, including a road victory at UNC Asheville. Guard Jalen Pitre has been a consistent contributor, averaging 8.3 points and 4.2 rebounds over his last six games. He scored 11 points in the loss to Alabama A&M.

This matchup presents a contrast in schedules. UNLV has faced a gauntlet of power conference opponents, while Tennessee State’s wins have come against a mix of non-Division I and mid-major competition. The Tigers’ losses include blowouts at Tennessee and Western Kentucky.

For UNLV, protecting home court is critical before Mountain West Conference play opens in January. The Rebels are 2-1 at the Thomas & Mack this season, with the lone loss a surprising 102-93 defeat to Montana. Their offense, which erupted for 99 points in a win over Saint Joseph’s, must find consistency.

Tennessee State will aim to control the tempo and leverage its recent experience in close games, having secured tight wins over Chattanooga and UNC Asheville. The Tigers begin Ohio Valley Conference play on Jan. 3.

Saturday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. PST. UNLV will host Fresno State on Dec. 20 in its conference opener. Tennessee State travels to face Tennessee-Martin on Dec. 18.