NFL Tickets
TV Schedule: Wednesday, Dec. 9, 8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Stadium: Charles Koch Arena
The MW/MVC Challenge is back!
In this year’s version of the challenge, the UNLV Rebels and Wichita State Shockers will meet up in a must-watcher. Sure, the Shockers have gotten off to a horrible 3-4 start (how many people predicted that one?), but they still have the talent to bounce back and make their case for a spot in the 2016 NCAA tournament.
As for the Rebels, they have gotten off to a 7-1 start. For some reason, they are not ranked in the top 25. UNLV has wins over the Indiana Hoosiers and Oregon Ducks (both ranked in the top 25 at the time). The Rebels have just one two-point loss against the UCLA Bruins, who just got done beating the Kentucky Wildcats. Why aren’t the Rebels ranked again?
Despite the fact that the Shockers aren’t undefeated (not even close), they still bring one of the best backcourts in the country to the table. After all, Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet are still on Wichita State. Assuming the Shockers get healthy and have a big week (they also play the Utah Utes), they can turn their season around in a hurry.
That said, the Rebels seem to be receiving no love — and they really should be. Both teams could wind up in the 2016 NCAA tournament, which adds even more intrigue to this mid-major showdown.
If VanVleet stays relatively healthy, or at least looks relatively healthy (fake it until you make it, right), the Shockers will come out on top. If not, then this could be a rather long non-conference season for a team that was expected to do some serious damage … once again.
Side note: Watch out for UNLV’s Patrick McCaw.
PREDICTION: Rebels 57, Shockers 63
Trevor Lowry is a Content Associate at www.RantSports.com. If you’re a tweeter feel free to follow him @TheTrevorLowry, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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