UNLV basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Rebels

4 of 5

LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Marvin Menzies of the UNLV Rebels reacts during his team’s game against the Nevada Wolf Pack during their game at the Thomas /

Key Non-Conference games

11/20-22 MGM Resort Main Event (Rice then Ole Miss or Utah)

11/29 – at Northern Iowa (Mountain West/Missouri Valley Challenge)

12/2 – Arizona

12/9 – Illinois

The overall schedule sets up well for the Rebels as a program. They likely aren’t an at-large team, but the home games early December are great opportunities for program defining victories. The Arizona game, in particular, is a must watch if you love big men. McCoy versus a likely top three pick in DeAndre Ayton could have huge ramifications when it comes to draft stocks.
The road game at Northern Iowa will be a good test for the frontcourt of UNLV as well. Seniors Bennett Koch and Klint Carlson will be a good test for McCoy and Juiston.

Key Conference games

12/30 – Boise State

1/23 – at Fresno State

1/27 – San Diego State

2/3 – Boise State

2/7 – at Nevada

2/17 – San Diego State

2/28 – Nevada

The schedule is very backloaded with the split against Nevada coming towards the end of the regular season. Opportunities for wins do come early, with the first six games coming against Boise State and teams likely to finish near the bottom of the league.

This allows opportunities to not only gather early wins in conference play but also confidence for when the top tier teams come around. They do avoid the daunting road trip to Wyoming on this unbalanced schedule but still play the likely top teams twice each.