Men’s basketball returns to action Saturday against UNLV in Henderson

HENDERSON, Nevada – On a neutral court, the Pacific men’s basketball program will face UNLV at Lee’s Family Forum on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

The location is approximately nine miles from UNLV’s home court, the Thomas & Mack Center. The game is part of the Jack Jones Classic and is the third of three games played Saturday at Lee’s Family Forum. Bradley and Santa Clara play at 1:30 p.m., followed by Colorado State vs. VCU at 4:30 p.m

Pacific (5-6) was led by Senior Elijah Ralphwho is one of 10 players in the country to score in double figures in every game this season. Ralph ranks second in the West Coast Conference in scoring (17.3 ppg), fourth in rebounding (8.0 rpg), fourth in offensive rebounding (2.6 orpg), fourth in field goals percentage (.515) and fifth in blocks (1.3 fps).

Ralph has recorded five double-doubles this year, ranking seventh nationally. He had a 10-point, 10-rebound performance at Illinois State.

Fellow Canadian, second year student Elijah Fisheris second on the team in scoring and is also one of the top five in the conference with 16.8 points per game. Fisher logged 40 minutes three times.

Junior Lamar Washington ranks 12th nationally in assists with 6.5 per game. He has provided 10 or more assists in two different games. Washington also scores in double figures at 11.2 points per game.

UNLV (4-4) is looking to make a three-game sweep after losses to No. 25 Mississippi State, Northwestern and Creighton. The Rebels have victories against Alabama State, Omaha, Pepperdine and New Mexico State this year.

Dedan Thomas Jr., along with Ralph, are also among 10 players nationally to score in double figures in every game, averaging 16.8 points per outing. Jeremiah Cherry is the team’s leading rebounder with 11.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

The game can be watched with a subscription on Baller TV. It can also be heard on Fox Sports 1280 AM with Zack Bayrouty in conversation.

NOTES

– Pacific won the last meeting between the two teams in an away game on December 18, 2019 with 74:66. It will be the 43rd meeting all-time and the first on a neutral site since March 11, 1990, when they met in the semifinals of the Big West Conference Tournament when the Rebels were ranked No. 3 in the nation.

– The Tigers are 2-0 at the neutral site this year with wins over San Jose State and Life Pacific in Hawaii.

– Ralph and Fisher were named to both the Outrigger Rainbow Classic All-Tournament Team in Hawaii and the Russ Pott Production (RPPI) All-Tournament Teams. The RPPI tournament included games against Mizzou and UAPB.

– As a team, the Tigers rank second in the WCC with a three-point defense percentage (.296).

– The Tigers are 5-1 when outscoring their opponents this year and 4-0 when scoring at least 80 points.

Tigers tickets

Tickets for upcoming events can be purchased through the Tickets tab on PacificTigers.com or by calling the box office at 209-946-2474. Groups of 10 or more receive a group discount and exclusive fan experiences.

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