Preview: UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at San Diego State Aztecs

SAN DIEGO (Interstat) — A pivotal Mountain West Conference regular-season finale is set for Friday afternoon when the San Diego State Aztecs host the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Viejas Arena.

The Aztecs (19-10, 12-5 MW), ranked 25th in the latest AP Top 25 poll, look to solidify their NCAA Tournament seeding and secure a top-two conference tournament bye. They enter having lost three of their last four, including an 86-77 road loss at Boise State on Tuesday. Senior guard Reese Dixon-Waters has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 16.4 points over his last seven games and scoring 23 in the loss to the Broncos.

The visiting Runnin’ Rebels (16-14, 10-7) arrive with momentum from a dominant 92-65 home victory over Utah State on Tuesday. UNLV has won five of its last seven, showcasing an explosive offense that has topped 85 points four times in that stretch. Forward Kimani Hamilton is coming off a career-high 24-point performance against the Aggies and has averaged 19.4 points over his last five games.

San Diego State won the first meeting this season, 82-71, in Las Vegas on Jan. 24. The Aztecs have historically held serve at home, where they are 12-2 this season.

For UNLV, a road upset would provide a significant résumé boost ahead of the conference tournament. Guard Howie Fleming, who dished out 12 assists against Utah State, will be key in managing the Aztecs’ trademark defensive pressure.

San Diego State aims to leverage its defensive identity, ranked 15th nationally in adjusted efficiency, to slow UNLV’s surging attack. Beyond Dixon-Waters, the Aztecs will need production from forwards Miles Byrd and Darrell Harrington.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST. The game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.