UNLV +13

I am perhaps a bit of a UNLV homer here but nevertheless I have been correct in 6 out of last 7 UNLV games and have a good feel for the team. Only one I missed in that stretch was coming off the AZ upset thinking taking the 19 pts with southern Utah was a good spot play. Unfortunately UNLV was inspired huge blowout win.

I believe for this game UNLV will show up and play competitively for most of the game. A few sites I use for RPI analysis and stats are giving UNLV  31% chance to win this game outright and I tend to agree with them. For those who don't know UNLV is a very young team but led by a stud phenom named Rashad Vaughn who is quietly one of the best PG's in the country IMO. He is a lot like Chalmers was for Kansas a few years ago. Christian Wood is the other big time scorer for UNLV and he has been very impressive lately from what I've witnessed and is only getting better. He is a 6'11' forward is a great shot blocker as is the entire UNLV team (ranked #5 in country in blocked shots). he has averaged 25 pts and 69% shooting over the last 3 games. They also excel at rebounding off misses and are ranked #4 in that category. Keep in mind they have done this with the 20th ranked SOS too., I point this out because I know Kansas is pretty good inside with freshman forward Oubre (who went to Findlay prep out here in vegas with Vaughn). and think UNLV should be able to match that for the most part.

 Main reason I think this spread is too high is because Kansas struggles scoring the ball as they are only 118th in ppg and 233rd in FG %. I have watched a ton of Ellis, their main scorer, and still think he has a long way to go in his development. He rushes things too much and isn't as potent as he should be for his skill set. . UNLV is 116th and 118th in those categories, respectively. Scary part is Kansas has won 19 straight against unranked teams but again I am not calling for an outright win here. Think we can battle inside and match their scoring enough to get a result much like they did vs Florida.

I know I am missing some details about things but just an overall picture for those willing to read

Comments and insight always welcome

As of now this is a 4 unit play for me and expect spread may lower a bit up till gametime.

UNLV +13

Score Prediction Kansas: 71 UNLV 65

VVandal.......great write-up.  I agree with you.  UNLV should be able to hang in with this young KS team.

BOL

Quote Originally Posted by QMICH:



THIS -13 LINE IS EXACTLY WHERE IT BELONGS!  UNLV ALWAYS UNRELIABLE ON THE ROAD & KAN PLAYING IN FRONT OF ALL THEIR VOCAL STUDENTS BACK FROM BREAK = REBEL TROUBLE

Break is not over with until after next weekend.....Just FYI!!!

Vegas Vandal Thanks for the write up and GLTU.

I am not drinking the kool aid of Dave Rice, Rashad Vaughn and C. Woods............just yet.

UNLV rarely if ever "shows Up" in National "AWAY" games on The big stage. You would have to go back to maybe Lon Kruger time  at Louisville 6 or 7 years ago.

UNLV does not defend well in big away games. UNLV struggles to score the ball in big away games. I am not talking about against MWC teams in away games. I'm talking about real established teams such as todays opponent Kansas.

Dwayne Morgan and Goodluck has major development skills to master. Jelan Kendrick is a 5th year senior who struggles mightily. Coody Doolin provides stability but he does not possess Kevin Kruger steady type ball handling and shooting skills.

Dave Rice and his staff lack the motivational skills to elevate this team to preform above and beyond in an environment like a Kansas on a Janurary Sunday afternoon. Playing in Kansas today is a different animal than playing at a .........Boise State or Wyoming or Colorado State.

Vegas Vandal I could be wrong. I wish you luck as always.

He is kinda a hybrid shooting guard/point guard. He splits the point many times with Doolin as you saw in the first half. So far Kansas struggling to score as predicted. Lets see if UNLV can ride the momentum into 2nd half

Good for you. Do you have that money your owe me gathered together yet?