Published Wednesday, June 24, 2015 | 10:36 a.m.
Updated Wednesday, June 24, 2015 | 2:56 p.m.
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The Mountain West released its 2015-16 basketball schedule today, giving each of the league’s 11 teams a full 18-game slate and handing UNLV arguably one of the toughest draws.
Each team will play eight home-and-home series and two one-time games.
The Rebels, who open play Dec. 30 at home against Fresno State, will play San Jose State for one of its one-time games, putting the Rebels at a disadvantage because the Spartans won just two games last season and are expected to be one of the worst teams in college basketball. Additionally, UNLV is the only Mountain West team with three Wednesday-Saturday road swings, meaning the Rebels will either have to stay on the road between games or face a quick turnaround at home.
For example, UNLV plays Wednesday, Jan. 6 at Colorado State and three days later at Wyoming.
“It’s hard to speculate in June or July who got a break (in the schedule) and who didn’t because you don’t how the season will break,” UNLV coach Dave Rice said.
The schedule is highlighted by a pair of games against San Diego State, UNLV’s main rival. The Aztecs come Jan. 30 to the Thomas & Mack Center; UNLV travels to San Diego March 5 for the final regular season game.
The Rebels, who last season missed the NCAA Tournament for a second straight season, already have a tough nonleague schedule, including the Maui Invitational, at Arizona (Dec. 19) and at Wichita State (Dec. 2).
”The NCAA selection committee has spoken with its selections the past few years,” Rice said. “They have mandated that you play a hard schedule. We are going to do that.”
Here’s a look at the Mountain West schedule. Television and times will be released later.
Dec. 30: vs. Fresno State
Jan. 6: at Colorado State
Jan. 9: at Wyoming
Jan. 13: vs. New Mexico
Jan. 16: vs. Air Force
Jan. 20: at Utah State
Jan. 23: at UNR
Jan. 27: vs. Boise State
Jan. 30: vs. San Diego State
Feb. 3: at New Mexico
Feb 6.: at Fresno State
Feb. 10: vs. San Jose State
Feb. 13: vs. Colorado State
Feb. 17: at Air Force
Feb. 20: vs. UNR
Feb. 24: at Boise State
Feb. 27: vs. Wyoming
March 5: at San Diego State
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
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