Washington State Cougars Set to Battle UNLV Runnin' Rebels at MGM Grand Garden Arena

As the Washington State Cougars prepare to face off against the UNLV Runnin' Rebels at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, fans are eager for what promises to be an electrifying matchup. The Cougars, coming off a decisive 68-47 victory over Northern Kentucky on December 8th, have shown they can dominate on their home court. With a field goal percentage of 52 and an impressive three-point shooting rate of 35 percent in that game, WSU's offense was firing on all cylinders.

The team's performance was not just limited to shooting; they also outrebounded their opponents with a total of 41 rebounds compared to Northern Kentucky's mere 12. This rebounding prowess provided them with numerous second-chance points and helped maintain possession, contributing significantly to their win.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for WSU in recent games. A nail-biting overtime loss against Utah on December 4th showcased some areas for improvement. Despite forcing more turnovers and stealing the ball 13 times from Utah, WSU struggled with their three-point accuracy – sinking only four out of thirty attempts – which ultimately cost them the game.

The upcoming game against UNLV will test whether WSU can maintain its strong defensive play while improving its long-range shooting efficiency. The Runnin' Rebels will not make it easy; they are known for their tenacious defense and ability to disrupt offensive plays.

UNLV has had its ups and downs this season but remains a formidable opponent when playing at home. Their last encounter saw them overpowering Oregon with a robust inside game that resulted in an overwhelming majority of points scored in the paint.

For Washington State fans looking forward to this clash, it is crucial that WSU capitalizes on every opportunity – especially from beyond the arc – while continuing to assert dominance under both baskets through rebounds and second-chance points.

The stage is set for December 10th at MGM Grand Garden Arena where fans can catch all the action live on Fox Sports 1 starting at 9:30 PM Eastern Time (6:30 PM Pacific Time). Will Washington State rise above recent challenges or will UNLV defend their home court? Only time will tell as we eagerly anticipate tip-off!