Preview: UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Utah State Aggies

LOGAN, Utah (Interstat) — The UNLV women’s basketball team looks to solidify its position in the Mountain West standings when it visits struggling Utah State on Saturday.

The Runnin’ Rebels (15-7, 8-3 MW) enter the contest at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum riding a wave of momentum after a 64-51 home victory over Colorado State last Saturday. Utah State (6-16, 1-10) seeks to end a nine-game losing streak, its most recent a 73-50 defeat at Air Force on Wednesday.

UNLV, which sits second in the conference, has won seven of its last nine games. Its success has been built on defense and rebounding, exemplified by a 69-58 win over these same Aggies in Las Vegas on Jan. 7. In that game, UNLV controlled the paint and forced 18 Utah State turnovers.

A key player for the Rebels is forward Shelbee Brown, who is coming off a dominant 12-point, 14-rebound double-double against Colorado State. Over her last eight games, Brown has averaged 13.6 points and 7.6 rebounds, providing consistent interior production. She is complemented by Meadow Roland, who also posted a double-double (14 points, 14 rebounds) in the win over the Rams.

The Aggies, anchored in last place, have found wins elusive during conference play. Their lone Mountain West victory came against San Jose State on Dec. 31. Guard Elise Livingston has been a bright spot, averaging 9.6 points over her last seven contests, including a 17-point effort against Boise State on Jan. 17. She led Utah State with 12 points in the loss to Air Force.

For Utah State to challenge, it must improve an offense that has failed to reach 60 points in six of its last seven games. The Aggies are also tasked with containing UNLV’s physical frontcourt, which outrebounded them 45-33 in the January meeting.

The game tips off at 2 p.m. MST in Nibley as part of the Mountain West schedule. UNLV will host Wyoming on Feb. 11 in its next outing, while Utah State’s next game is at home against Fresno State on Feb. 15.