Boise State vs. UNLV: Game preview, TV schedule, prediction

Boise State got some luck last week in the Mountain West standings after a Nevada loss. Will the Broncos keep pace against an inconsistent UNLV team?

TV schedule: Saturday, February 3, 8:00 p.m. ET. CBSSN

Arena: Taco Bell Arena in Boise, Idaho

There’s no question that Boise State is the second-best team in the MWC, but they had a shot a little while back to be the top team in the conference with a game at Nevada. It was a close fight, but the Wolf Pack prevailed. The Mountain West leaders had a chance to have a stranglehold in the standings, but lost to Nevada in overtime, opening up an opportunity for the Broncos.

Earlier this week, Boise handled business against Air Force, 70-64. Chandler Hutchison and Lexus Williams each had 16 points to pace the Broncos, while the team had 12 of it’s 23 made field goals coming from deep.

While Nevada might have the best overall roster in terms of talent only, the next best roster might be UNLV 16-6 (5-4). The Rebels have finally won two straight Mountain West games, beating San Diego State and San Jose State back-to-back.

In the win over the Spartans, star freshman Brandon McCoy dominated with 22 points and 17 rebounds. Shakur Juiston was a rebound away from a double-double himself, and Jordan Johnson chipped in with 15 points and six assists.

Conference play has been an issue for UNLV, ever since the team lost to these same Broncos to start out league play. Boise won the game 83-74, thanks in part to Hutchinson’s 32 points. Juiston had 25 points and seven boards while McCoy had 16 and 10 on that night.

The Broncos are just one game back of Nevada, although the Wolf Pack currently has the tie-breaker right now. With the rematch in 11 days, they can’t afford to lose another one before then.

Next: Mountain West teams in latest Bracketology

Oddly enough, UNLV plays better on the road than at home, going 3-1 in league play away from home. But Boise State is much better than those opponents and behind another big game from Hutchison, the Broncos get the win.

Prediction: Boise State 88 – UNLV 74