Runnin' Rebels Open Season Monday Night at Home

Preview

The UNLV Runnin' Rebels will open their 2023-24 season on Monday night at home against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Runnin' Rebels are coming off a 15-16 season in which they finished eighth in the Mountain West Conference. They return four starters from that team, including leading scorer Donovan Williams. The Lumberjacks are coming off a 12-18 season in which they finished ninth in the Big Sky Conference. They return two starters from that team, including leading scorer Cameron Shelton.

Key Players

UNLV * Donovan Williams, G, Sr. * Keshon Gilbert, G, Jr. * Luis Rodriguez, G, Jr. * Victor Bailey Jr., F, Jr. * Royce Hamm Jr., C, So. Northern Arizona * Cameron Shelton, G, Sr. * Jalen Cone, G, Sr. * Carson Towt, F, Jr. * Aaseem Dixon, F, So. * Nik Mains, C, Fr.

What to Watch For

The Runnin' Rebels are a slight favorite in this game, but the Lumberjacks have a history of playing UNLV tough. The two teams have split their last four meetings, with each game being decided by single digits. The key matchup in this game will be between Williams and Shelton. Williams is the Runnin' Rebels' leading scorer and has been named to the preseason All-Mountain West team. Shelton is the Lumberjacks' leading scorer and has been named to the preseason All-Big Sky team. The Runnin' Rebels will also need to be careful not to overlook the Lumberjacks. Northern Arizona has a veteran team that is capable of pulling off an upset if UNLV is not ready to play. Overall, both teams will likely be seeking to establish momentum for the season in early match-ups prior to conference play.

Prediction

The Runnin' Rebels should be able to win this game if they play to their potential. They have more talent than the Lumberjacks and they are playing at home. However, the Lumberjacks are a scrappy team that could give UNLV a run for its money.