Unlv Rebels vs Utah State Aggies Picks and Predictions January 15th 2025

Coming off thrilling win, No. 22 Utah State heads to UNLV

No. 22 Utah State heads to Las Vegas on Wednesday, poised to continue its unbeaten streak in Mountain West play against a struggling UNLV squad. Riding high after a thrilling win over Boise State, the Aggies (16-1, 6-0 MW) are focused on maintaining their momentum in the quest for conference dominance.

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Utah State: Clutch Performers in Top Form

Dramatic Wins That Define a Season

Utah State’s recent 81-79 victory over Boise State was nothing short of breathtaking. With seven seconds remaining, Ian Martinez sealed the game with a jaw-dropping four-point play, reminiscent of the Aggies’ late-game heroics last season.

“I was just there on the ground watching it, hoping it went in. It bounced about five times on the rim. It was crazy. I couldn’t believe it,” Martinez said, recalling the moment.

This latest win adds to Utah State’s growing reputation as a team that thrives under pressure. They have consistently delivered in high-stakes situations, as seen in their thrilling 87-86 win over UNLV last January, when Great Osobor’s five-point play stunned the Runnin’ Rebels in the final seconds.

A Season of Resilience

Despite the departure of coach Danny Sprinkle and last year’s Mountain West Player of the Year, Great Osobor, to Washington, the Aggies have shown remarkable adaptability. Their only blemish this season—a 75-73 loss to UC San Diego—was quickly followed by a string of impressive victories, including a 67-66 road win over then-No. 20 San Diego State.

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Player Highlights

• Ian Martinez: The junior guard has stepped into the spotlight as the team’s primary scorer, averaging 16.8 points per game. His leadership and ability to perform in clutch moments have been pivotal.
• Mason Falslev: A versatile combo guard, Falslev contributes 16.4 points per game and leads the team in rebounds with 6.2 per game, adding depth to the Aggies’ offensive and defensive play.

UNLV: A Team in Turmoil

Struggling to Find Stability

The Runnin’ Rebels (9-7, 3-2 MW) are navigating another disappointing season under coach Kevin Kruger. Consecutive blowout losses to Boise State and Colorado State have exposed lingering issues with confidence and consistency. While UNLV managed a 6-5 record in nonconference play without catastrophic defeats, their inability to secure statement wins has kept them out of contention for national recognition.

“We’ll just take a punch, and it takes us a while to get up off the mat,” Kruger said. “That’s something that, when your confidence is shaken a bit, it’s one of the effects. We just got to get back in the gym, keep working.”

Key Players to Watch

• Dedan Thomas Jr.: Leading the team with 16.1 points and 4.4 assists per game, Thomas Jr. is the engine of the Runnin’ Rebels’ offense.
• Jaden Henley and Jailen Bedford: Henley (12.0 points) and Bedford (10.8 points) provide additional scoring support but have struggled to produce consistently during conference play.

Contrasting Trajectories

This matchup highlights the contrasting narratives of two teams in the Mountain West Conference. Utah State is riding a wave of confidence and clutch performances, while UNLV struggles to regain its footing amidst mounting challenges. The Aggies’ success stems from their cohesive team play and ability to deliver in pressure-packed moments, whereas the Rebels are still searching for answers.

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What’s at Stake?

For Utah State, a win would further solidify their position at the top of the Mountain West standings and bolster their case for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. For UNLV, it’s an opportunity to turn their season around and prove they can compete with the conference’s elite.

Game Preview

• When: Wednesday, Jan. 17
• Where: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV
• Time: 7:00 PM PT
• Watch: ESPN+

Utah State will rely on Martinez and Falslev to lead the way, while UNLV needs a breakout performance from Thomas Jr. and improved defensive intensity to keep the Aggies at bay.

Final Thoughts

Utah State’s ability to perform under pressure and adapt to adversity has made them a formidable force in the Mountain West Conference. As they face UNLV, they have the momentum and confidence to continue their winning streak. Meanwhile, the Runnin’ Rebels have a chance to right the ship, but only if they can regain their composure and capitalize on their home-court advantage.