Houston at UNLV (-3) - 7:30pm Pacific - Game #743-744
The Rebels returned from a brutal four game road trip and snapped a five game losing streak with an impressive double digit win over Texas Tech on Saturday.  The win is discounted by the fact that the Red Raiders have been struggling in recent games but they had both frontcourt starters Daryl Dora and Jonathan Plefka healthy for the first time in a few weeks.  It was a well played and tightly contested game until UNLV broke it open midway through the second half.  All five of UNLV's losses have come vs quality teams and the last four all came on the road at Oregon State, at Hawaii, at Oklahoma State, and at Minnesota.  Saturday's game was their first home game in 21 days.  They are now 3-1 at home on the season with only loss coming in a close one to a ranked Nevada team.  Three good looking JC transfers F/C Essengue, guard Petrimoulx (double figures in 4 of last 5 games), G/F White (just became eligible in last game) and top guard recruit freshman Jo'Van Adams (career high 16 in last game) are all starting to blossom.  Meanwhile, senior F/C Louis Admundson has been a force inside as one of the most improved players in the country.  He is averaging 16.8ppg and 11.1rpg including 4.75 offensive boards.  Four more reliable returnees make up a solid nine man rotation. 

As expected Houston did not perform very well on the road at South Alabama last time out.  The team shot 32.9% for the game and continued their rebounding woes finishing with a -7.0 margin despite facing an undersized opponent.  Cougar starting guards Oliver Lafayette (leading scorer) and Lanny Smith (third leading scorer) finished 11-for-38 which is indicative of the teams suspect shot selection and streaky play.  That combined with little inside presence and very poor rebounding is not conducive for winning on the road.  Not counting games vs Florida Tech and Sam Houston State, Houston has a -15.75 average rebound margin.  This does not bode well for them going against UNLV who features one of the top rebounders in the country and is a team hits the offensive glass (15 per game) well.  Houston upset LSU by a point on the road earlier this year but is still 5-11 in road games dating back to last season with LSU being the only quality win. 

UNLV's schedule has toughened them up some and they are much better than the average 3-5 team.  They are amidst a five game home stand and riding high following their big win over Texas Tech.  They are well coached and I expect them to continue to show improvement.  Houston meanwhile is in a difficult spot playing their first back to back road game situation of the season.  Rebels win and cover.  Give the points.