Dickie V.: Rebels control own fate for 'Big Dance'

If the UNLV men's basketball team wants to know whether it will be one of the 64 teams that make it into the NCAA Tournament in March, ESPN college basketball expert Dick Vitale says that all it has to do is look in the mirror.

Vitale was in town for the network's ESPY Awards on Monday night and spent part of Tuesday afternoon signing his new book, "Campus Chaos," at the Rebel Store in the Thomas & Mack Center.

Because the 16-5 Rebels have won eight of their last 10 games, including an impressive 72-64 win over 21st-ranked Utah at home on Feb. 5, Vitale thinks they could be dancing in March.

But first, he says, the team must finish out the season strong.

"They've got a big game coming up Saturday obviously and that's a major game for them against BYU," Vitale said. "I think they're in position now where it's in their hands and that's a positive to have.

"It's in your hands. You control your destiny. If they can split these next two games, then win the games they should win, they've got a chance."

Playing on the road won't be easy.

The Rebels play at Provo, Utah, on Saturday at 6:05 p.m., then head to Salt Lake City for a rematch against the Utes on Monday at 9 p.m.

BYU handed UNLV a 77-75 loss at the Thomas & Mack Center on Jan. 10 in the Mountain West Conference opener. The Rebels are 7-2 in the MWC behind the first-place Utes, who are 8-1.

"If they beat BYU, play Utah tough or if they can upset Utah to break a 50-game (home) win streak (at the Jon M. Huntsman Center), I mean you talk about getting notoriety and publicity nationally, that would be the way to get it," Vitale said.

Because the MWC is brand new and won't get an automatic bid into the tournament, the Rebels will need all the attention they can get.

"I think three is impossible," Vitale said of getting three MWC teams into the field.

"Two is realistic and two is not a lock. For not having an automatic berth, I think Utah is definitely in, and maybe somebody else other than Utah."

From what he has seen, that team could be the Rebels.

"They're getting great play from Mark Dickel at the point," Vitale offered. "The kid (Dalron) Johnson up front has been a real good Diaper Dandy -- big, strong inside player.

"So Billy (Bayno, the UNLV coach) has got to be very impressed with the type of play he's gotten this year because I don't think people expected them to be this good. I mean, Kambala (Kaspars) is playing well and they've got some veterans."

What it comes down to, however, is wins and losses.

Although MWC commissioner Craig Thompson is the chair of the selection committee, Vitale thinks that won't be a factor.

"He'll be honest," Vitale said. "I happen to know Craig, talked to him.

"He's going to do things the right way. The Rebels are going to have to earn that bid. To earn that bid, they've got to go out and win."

Autographed copies of Vitale's book can be purchased on Friday and Saturday at the boys Southern Zone basketball championships at Valley High School at a discounted rate of $20.

Half of the proceeds will go to Vitale and the other half will be donated to the high school.

Anyone else seeking an autographed book can call (941) 923-9119.

archive