Preview: UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Wyoming Cowboys

BOSLER, Wyo. (Interstat) — The Wyoming Cowboys look to rebound from their first conference loss when they host the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels in a Mountain West men’s basketball matchup Tuesday night at Arena-Auditorium.

Wyoming (10-4) saw a four-game winning streak snapped in a 78-58 road loss to New Mexico on Saturday. The Cowboys, who are 6-1 at home this season, will rely on guard Nasir Meyer, who leads the team in scoring at 16.1 points per game. Meyer is coming off a nine-point, five-assist performance against the Lobos but had scored 25 and 26 points in two of his previous three games.

UNLV (7-6) has won three straight, including a 67-39 rout of Air Force on Saturday. The Rebels’ surge has coincided with strong play from sophomore guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn. Over the last three games, he is averaging 19.7 points and 3.3 assists, including a 28-point effort in a win over Fresno State on Dec. 20.

The Rebels have faced a challenging non-conference schedule with road losses to Alabama, Maryland and Rutgers, but have found rhythm lately, averaging 80 points per game during their winning streak. Tyrin Jones added 14 points in the win over Air Force.

Wyoming boasts a potent offense, averaging 81.4 points per game and scoring over 100 points twice this season. However, they have struggled defensively in their losses, allowing an average of 78.5 points in defeats.

This contest opens a critical early conference stretch for both teams. UNLV will visit Colorado State on Friday, while Wyoming travels to Nevada on Saturday.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST Tuesday.