The Wyoming Cowboys are set to face off against the UNLV Runnin' Rebels on Tuesday evening, January 19, 2025, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Currently, the Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads, sporting a 9-9 overall record and sitting at 2-5 within the Mountain West Conference. The team is coming off a hard-fought home loss to Colorado State, and they'll be eager to turn the tide against the Runnin' Rebels. Despite the setback, Wyoming has shown promising signs, shooting 45% from the field across the season, including 35.2% from behind the three-point arc, ranking them fourth within the conference.
This matchup is particularly enticing as Wyoming seeks to bounce back on the road, where they have had mixed results historically against UNLV. With such stakes on the line, the players are expected to put forth their best efforts to claim victory.
On the other side, UNLV enters the game with an 11-7 overall record and boasts a solid standing of 5-2 in conference play. The Runnin' Rebels recently achieved impressive victories, knocking off then-ranked No. 22 Utah State and San Diego State last week. With UNLV shooting 36.7% from the three-point range, the second-best mark within the league, they’ve demonstrated their offensive capabilities.
A focal point for Wyoming will be their leading scorer, Obi Agbim, who is averaging 18.8 points per game, placing him second among conference players. His prowess on the court includes an impressive shooting percentage of 46.2% from beyond the arc, which positions him not just at the top of the league, but also sixth nationally. Fans will be keeping their eyes on him as he looks to lead Wyoming to victory.
“Wyoming heads to Las Vegas with confidence, hoping to secure a key win against UNLV,” stated Cowboy Sports Network commentator. This confidence may be bolstered by Agbim's efforts alongside teammates such as Jordan Nesbitt, who recorded his sixth double-double against Air Force and adds 8.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, showcasing the depth of talent across the roster.
UNLV’s leading scorer Dedan Thomas Jr. will be another player to watch. Averaging 15.8 points per game, he not only lights up the scoreboard but also leads the Rebels with 81 assists, translating to 4.5 assists per game. This dual-threat style of play makes him one of the most dynamic players on the floor and could prove troublesome for Wyoming’s defense.
Jaden Henley and Jailen Bedford contribute significantly to UNLV’s overall scoring, each averaging over ten points per game. Bedford, who is also second on the team with 35 three-point makes, highlights the Runnin' Rebels’ ability to stretch the floor and create opportunities from long-range shooting. Meanwhile, Jeremiah "Bear" Cherry leads UNLV on the boards with 5.3 rebounds per game, providing the necessary presence to secure rebounds and convert on second-chance points.
According to local sports analysts, "The Runnin' Rebels are one of the top pressure teams averaging 6.7 steals per game.” This defensive intensity could play a significant role as both teams vie for control over the game, setting up what could be one of the season's more entertaining contests.
When examining the series history between these two teams, it’s notable to mention the Cowboys and Runnin' Rebels will meet for the 67th time on Tuesday night, creating added historical intrigue to the matchup. UNLV currently leads their all-time series 46-20, with the Runnin' Rebels also holding the advantage at home, showcasing their dominance on the Las Vegas court.
Fans can tune in to see the game broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, with tip-off set for 9 p.m. MT. Radio coverage will also be available across the 26 affiliate stations of the Cowboy Sports Network, offering dedicated commentary from Keith Kelly and Kevin McKinney.
Looking forward, Wyoming will be heading to San Jose State later this week, where the Cowboys will aim to build momentum following their contest with UNLV. Undoubtedly, both teams understand the stakes laid out before them, making Tuesday's game one not to be missed.
With both teams coming off contrasting results, it will be fascinating to see how they adjust and compete as the season progresses.