The UNLV Runnin Rebels Basketball team have been on a tear as of late. There game against Arizona was the breaking point for the season just like last year. The Rebels led the whole game against the Wildcats but it wasn’t enough as they went on a four minute shooting drought.

Arizona hit a big three pointer with less then 30 seconds left in the game to put it way and give then a 51-48 victory. Nobody gave UNLV a chance but they looked like a different team.

Last year after the blow out to Arizona UNLV went on a winning streak that led to them being undefeated on their home floor. This year the same results seem to be happening. The Saturday after the Arizona game UNLV took on Tennessee-Martin and it clearly showed how mad they were by taking down UTM by 30 points.

Next up for the Rebels was the annual Duel in the Desert tournament hosted on their home floor. The Rebels ran through Kennesaw State and Nicholls State with easy giving them a championship match up with the NEW look Minnesota Golden Gofers, led by there new head coach Tubby Smith.

Minnesota went into the match up with a 10-1 recorded and came out with a 20 point loss. UNLV got help from all its star players and their defensive style of play.

Going into the conference season 11-3 doesn’t look to bad with last second losses to UCSB and Arizona the Rebels are going to be a force to recon with this season. BYU seems to be the favorite with their high powered offense and sharp shooter Jonathan Tavarneri. The Rebels are going to give the Cougars a run for the Mountain West title. San Diego and New Mexico will be in the running as well but I think the big dogs are going to be UNLV and BYU in the end.

Who ever wins the MWC title will get the at-large but remember the conference tournament is back on the Rebels home floor where they always seem to find themselves in the final game.

Look out Rebels fans it might be another trip back to the tourney and a nice run again. Back to Back sweet 16 might earn the Rebs more exposure!

Mike Sims