Preview: Air Force Falcons at UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — The UNLV women’s basketball team looks to solidify its position in the Mountain West Conference standings when it hosts the Air Force Falcons on Wednesday night at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The Runnin’ Rebels (12-6 overall) enter the matchup seeking to rebound from a 75-66 overtime loss to San Diego State on Saturday. Prior to that, UNLV had won five consecutive games, including a 64-58 victory at Air Force on Jan. 3.

UNLV is led by guard Aaliyah Alexander, who is coming off an 18-point, 5-assist performance against the Aztecs. Alexander was instrumental in the first meeting with Air Force, contributing 7 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

Air Force (8-10) arrives in Las Vegas on a three-game losing skid, most recently falling 67-44 at Wyoming. The Falcons have struggled offensively during the streak, failing to reach 65 points in any of the losses.

Guard Jayda McNabb is the focal point for the Falcons. She scored a team-high 16 points in the loss to Wyoming and posted 14 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks in the narrow defeat to UNLV earlier this month. Her production will be critical for Air Force to keep pace.

The Falcons have shown an ability to compete, with four of their last five losses coming by single digits, including the six-point decision to UNLV. Containing Alexander and improving offensive efficiency will be their primary challenges.

For UNLV, maintaining defensive intensity after a physically demanding overtime game will be key. The Rebels have been strong at home this season and will aim to leverage their athleticism and depth against an Air Force team looking to snap its slide.

Wednesday’s contest is the second of two regular-season meetings between the teams. Following this game, UNLV travels to face Nevada on Saturday, while Air Force returns home to host New Mexico.

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