Rebels open last WAC campaign

It wasn't Plan A. But at least they know the drill when it comes to implementing Plan B.

In the aftermath of a disappointing and underachieving 7-6 preseason, UNLV kicks off its third and final Western Athletic Conference season knowing that what already has transpired can be rendered somewhat useless as it pertains to getting an NCAA Tournament bid come March.

The Rebels, who begin WAC play Saturday night against Air Force at the Thomas & Mack Center, know a good start in the Mountain Division can set the stage for a strong run come March.

And the opportunity is there for a good beginning. The first three conference games (Air Force, Rice on Thursday and Tulsa Jan. 16) are at home and the first road contest is at last-place Southern Methodist Jan. 21.

If UNLV can protect its home court and find a way to beat SMU, you're talking about a team that will have won seven straight and have some legitimate momentum.

"We've got it going now," senior co-captain Kevin Simmons said. "Everyone's clicking. We're having fun now.

"This is a chance for us to get off to a good start. We made a good run late last year, but if we can win these games at home, we'll have some early momentum."

Air Force comes to town limping somewhat in the aftermath of a horrible shooting performance in Wednesday night's 103-85 loss to Denver. If the Falcons aren't hitting from the perimeter, they struggle big time, much like Cal Poly, UNLV's most recent opponent, did in losing to the Rebels 79-67 last Saturday.

"They're very similar," coach Bill Bayno said. "They're the most athletic they've ever been and we've got to do a good job of getting out and contesting their shooters. I thought we did a good job of that at Cal Poly. Our guard play was good that night and we're going to need our guards to play well Saturday."

As for placing added importance on breaking from the WAC starting gate quickly, Bayno wouldn't bite.

"Tell me one game that isn't important," he said. "Is the end of the season any less important than the beginning of the season?

"I've told our guys our goal is to get better every day and to be playing our best basketball when the WAC tournament rolls around."

Last year, TCU ran the table in the Mountain Division, going 14-0 during the WAC season. The Rebels will meet Billy Tubbs' team twice, with the first meeting Jan. 23 in Fort Worth.

archive