UNLV basketball, Dedan Thomas Jr. faces UC Riverside, Barrington Hargress | UNLV Basketball | sport

UNLV GAME DAY

WHO: UNLV men’s basketball vs. UC Riverside

When: Saturday lunchtime

Where: Thomas & Mack Center

TV: SSSEN

Radio: KWWN (1100 AM, 100.9 FM)

Line: UNLV -9; a total of 141

About the Rebels (5-5): UNLV has lost four of its last five games under fourth-year coach Kevin Kruger, most recently losing 66-65 at No. 22 Dayton on Tuesday.

Sophomore point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. misses a potential game-winner as time expires. He scored a game-high 16 points. The Rebels lead the way this season with an average of 16.6 points and 4.0 assists per game.

Guards Jaden Henley and Julian Rishwain scored 15 and 12 points, respectively, against Dayton. Center Jeremiah “Bear” Cherry averages 6.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game for the team.

Forward Rob Whaley Jr. (back) and guard Jace Whiting (foot) have been out for the Rebels since a loss to Memphis on Nov. 9.

This is the Rebels’ non-conference final. They open Mountain West play by hosting Fresno State on December 28th.

About the Highlanders (8-4, 2-0 Big West): UC Riverside looks to extend its four-game winning streak. The Highlanders defeated Montana State 83-80 on Wednesday.

Guard Barrington Hargress scored 22 points in the win. He is averaging 19.4 points, 4.4 assists and one steal this season, all of which are team highs. Center Joel Armotrading leads the Highlanders with 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.

Under the leadership of fifth-year coach Mike Magpayo, the Highlanders were expected to finish fourth in the Big West in the preseason coaches poll.

These teams have not met since UNLV’s 72-51 home win on November 13, 2018.