Wink Adams is UNLV’s Reece Gaines…there’s a couple decent role players on their team but if Wink is off, UNLV doesn’t have a chance. I can’t see UNLV keeping this one close if Wink doesn’t play.

Despite their record, UNLV has been up and down this season. They looked uninspired against foes like Santa Clara and California but played well in a win over Arizona (who had just beaten Top 10 ranked Gonzaga) and a loss to Cincy. They are typically a streaky shooting team—senior leaders Adams and Darger were ice-cold for several games prior to the Arizona win—but have shown the ability to just out-hustle teams and wear them down in the 2nd half.

Rene Rogeau is an oft overlooked player and will be the key to UNLV’s chances IMO. His D is always on point—kid had 75 steals last year and has 31 blocks this year already—and he’s made over 50% of his Field Goals over his career at UNLV.

I think this is a scary team b/c UL may be looking ahead to the UK game to which Mike already alluded. Also, UNLV is on a legit roll, they want revenge from last year’s 20 pt loss at their place, and this is their biggest non-conference NCAA Tournament resume-builder on the schedule. But Louisville is deeper, bigger, and playing in Freedom Hall.

Prediction: Louisville: 87 UNLV: 78