Steve Marcus
UNLV Rebels guard Dedan Thomas Jr. (11) takes the ball upfield past Bethesda University Flames guard Stephen Perry (0) during an exhibition game at Cox Pavilion on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.
Saturday, January 6, 2024 | 2 a.m
- What:
UNLV at San Diego State - When:
Saturday, 1 p.m - Where:
Viejas Arena, San Diego - TV:
CBS - Radio:
1100 AM, 100.9 FM
There's no letup in conference play this season: UNLV will open the Mountain West portion of its schedule at San Diego State on Saturday (1 p.m., CBS), taking on last year's runner-up on its home court.
Could Scarlet and Gray make a statement with a big away win? Three keys to observe:
The rule of the Aztecs
There is no question that the Aztecs rule the mountain west. San Diego State won the regular season title last year, won the conference tournament and advanced to the Final Four. And this year's edition looks to pick up where the historic team left off.
Led by senior forward Jaedon Ledee (21.5 points, 8.5 rebounds per game), SDSU is just as tough and physical as ever. The team ranks 17th in KenPom's adjusted defense metric and is 21st overall.
Even in a year where a breakout team like Colorado State is on the edge of the top 10, San Diego State is the team to beat.
Kevin Kruger put his charges through a tough training session on Thursday with an eye on the gauntlet that awaits them in the Viejas Arena.
After that session, Kruger didn't downplay the challenge San Diego State will pose.
“They’re going to be incredibly tough, they’re going to be incredibly physical, they’re going to be incredibly disciplined,” Kruger said. “They are a great team.”
Hill returns
The Scarlet and Gray are expected to enter the game at full strength as senior forward Jalen Hill attended practice on Thursday and said he is 100 percent recovered from the hand injury that has sidelined him since Nov. 28.
Hill started the first six games at power forward before getting injured, but it remains to be seen what role he will fill as he makes his way back into the rotation. During his absence, senior winger Keylan Boone became eligible and junior Shane Nowell returned from injury, leaving more players available to fill the frontcourt.
Hill said he is ready to fit in and provide whatever the team needs.
“It felt great to be back out there with the guys,” Hill said. “I think I can add a lot of physicality and rebounding, whatever we need. Whatever we're missing, I feel like I can add something. We were outrebounded in rebounding for a few games; I feel like when I get back I’ll be physically active and capitalize on things like that.”
Backcourt tandem
One of the surprises outside of the conference was the emergence of DJ Thomas and Jackie Johnson as a dynamic duo.
The two smallest players on the team combined to give UNLV some of its most efficient minutes, with Thomas leading the show as the starting point guard and Johnson coming off the bench as an offensive spark and defensive bulldog. They are also UNLV's two best 3-point shooters, combining to hit 43.5% from deep.
How effective can they be against San Diego State's stout defense? That could determine how competitive the game becomes.
What: UNLV (5-5, 0-0 MWC) at San Diego State (12-2, 1-0 MWC)
When: Saturday, 1 p.m
Where: Viejas Arena (San Diego)
TV: CBS
Radio: 1100 AM, 100.9 FM
UNLV leaders
Rating
Luis Rodriguez: 12.5 points
rebounds
Keylan Boone: 8.0 rebounds
Supports
DJ Thomas: 6.3 assists
San Diego State Leaders
Rating
Jaedon Ledee: 21.5 points
rebounds
Jaedon Ledee: 8.5 rebounds
Supports
Lamont Butler: 3.5 assists
Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.