Runnin’ Rebels open Mountain West Tournament against Air Force

The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels meet the Air Force Falcons in the first round of the Mountain West Conference Tournament Wednesday, March 12 at 4pm PT at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The Runnin’ Rebels come into the tournament as the No. 6 seed, while Air Force is the No. 11 seed. The game will be broadcast on the Mountain West Network.

UNLV had its three-game winning streak snapped in their loss against New Mexico State on Friday night, 81-67.

Air Force enters the MW tournament on a four-game losing streak of their own. The Falcons’ only conference win came against Fresno State in overtime, 72-69.

The Falcons last played on the road against Utah State on Saturday, 87-47.

Ethan Taylor leads the Falcons in scoring with 13.9 points per game, rebounds with 5.4 rebounds per game, assists with 3.5 per game, steals with 1.6 per game, and three-pointers made with 2.9 per game.

Last time on the court, the Runnin’ Rebels were already short of personnel due to injury. They lost Julian Rishwain about seven minutes in because of injury, who did not return to the game.

UNLV was led by Jalen Hill, scoring 16 points. Jeremiah Cherry and Jaden Henley both scored 14 points. Jailen Bedford added 10.

With 6:28 to go, New Mexico held on to a slim lead, 65-64, before going on a 12-0 run over a three-minute stretch to take a 77-64 lead with 2:09 left in the game.

The Runnin’ Rebels have dominated in both meetings against Air Force this season. First winning on. December 31, 77-58 and then on February 11, 77-52.