(Photo courtesy: ASU Athletics)
After playing teams with names like University of Maryland Baltimore County, Idaho State, and Miami of Ohio, the name University of Nevada Las Vegas makes one think that this fourth game will be the Sun Devils’ first challenge of the season.
Yes, it is true UNLV achieved what the Sun Devils did not last season when they reached March Madness. However, this is not the same Runnin’ Rebels team that was led on the court by now departed Anthony Bennett last season the court last year.
This Runnin’ Rebels team is incredibly young and already has a loss to UC Santana Barbara to their name.
UNLV does however, like the Sun Devils, have a deep rotation. The Runnin’ Rebels have been giving hefty minutes to nine players in the three games thus far.
This team is young and still finding its way. The fact that they are averaging 68 points a game this year against sub-par competition along with a low 41 percent shooting from the field should make them no match for ASU. The Sun Devils should roll easily over the Runnin’ Rebels Tuesday night.
1. Bench production
The same type of production off the bench that has been exerted so far this season needs to come forth on the road in Nevada. Although UNLV is a weaker team, they will have fresh bodies on the court with their nine-man rotation. This means Chance Murray, Calaen Robinson, Eric Jacobsen, and Richie Edwards need to continue to produce.
2. Business as usual.
Keep doing what is supposed to be done by a team with the aspirations ASU has this early in the season. Steam roll over an inferior team with the habits, focus, and ability you already have.
Matchup to watch
Jordan Bachynski vs. Roscoe Smith
Both the coaching staff and Jordan Bachynski himself have expressed the emphasis being put on the seven-footer to consistently play aggressive this season. This matchup against Roscoe Smith should be a great display at Bachynski’s aggressiveness.
Smith is averaging 14 rebounds a game, and had 22 in his last outing. That being said the man that will likely be matched up against Bachynski Tuesday is six feet eight inches tall. He is a workhorse with clear ability in the paint. If Bachynski stays aggressive, as he has been to this point in the young season, there is no reason he should not put an end to Smith’s virtuous play while playing honorably on offense as well.
Final Score
ASU-84 UNLV-69.
