Feb. 16, 2017
SAN DIEGO -
San Diego State takes its first of two trips this season to Las Vegas on Sat., Feb. 18 for a 4 p.m. game at UNLV. The game will stream live on the Mountain West Network, and Chris Ello will provide play-by-play action for a live audio broadcast on GoAztecs.com.
San Diego State used a complete team performance in its most recent game to topple Utah State at home, 66-59, on Weds., Feb. 15, snapping a six-game losing streak. In the win, the Aztecs took the lead 16 seconds in and never looked back, out-rebounding their opponent for the first time in four games to secure the victory.
UNLV (17-8, 8-5 MW) is a victor in three of its most recent four contests, allowing an average of just 48 points in that time. The Rebels' defense has been a major component to their success all season, as the team leads the league with a +6.6 rebounding margin and averages a conference-best 9.0 steals per game. Offensively, UNLV is led by reigning MW Player of the Week Dakota Gonzalez. She averaged 27 points and 9.5 rebounds in her last two games, which included a double-double in a 63-55 win at San José State. The junior leads the team with 13.5 points per game. Brooke Johnson is one of the Rebels' defensive threats, as she sports a MW-high 2.5 steals per game. She has also dished out a team-best 75 assists. Sophomore Katie Powell has pulled down an average of 6.7 boards per game, the most on the Rebels.
San Diego State and UNLV will meet for the 54th time, and the second time this season. In the teams' meeting earlier this year, the Scarlet and Black knocked down 14 3-pointers for a season high and its most since Feb. 10, 2005 in a 91-45 win over Utah Valley State College for the 87-68 win. In the game, junior Lexy Thorderson drilled a career-best seven treys. When played in Las Vegas, the Rebels have won the last three meetings but prior to that, the Aztecs won the previous three meetings in Cox Pavillion.
The Scarlet and Black stays on the road for its next game, a 7 p.m. game at Fresno State on Weds., Feb. 22.