UNLV lost at San Diego State on Saturday to drop to 7-6 (5-6 ATS) in UNLV coach Kevin Kruger’s third season. Three seasons and three completely different teams. Have to love the transfer portal. The Rebels have done the most with it. They beat Creighton as 13.5-point underdogs, but that was a one-game magic trick. New Mexico and coach Richard Pitino have guided the Lobos to a 13-2 record (10-4 ATS) with the leadership of their two senior guards Jamal Mashburn Jr and Jaelen House. The Lobos have played strong defense allowing only 40.5% shooting. New Mexico moneyline.

Rapid improvement for UNLV commenced in mid-December when 6-8 ex-Pacific/Ok State F Keylan Boone (9 ppg, 7.7 rpg) gained eligibility and added a hard edge to Kruger’s rotations that already included Kaylen’s twin brother Kalib (12.1 ppg), another portal add from Ok State. Since Keylan was activated, the Rebs have upset ranked Creighton (in Henderson), narrowly missed against Saint Mary’s (in Phoenix), and bounced Hofstra (at the Thomas & Mack), covering all three of those games, before a combative loss on the weekend at surging S an Diego State. Moreover, 6-6 transfer F Jalen Hill (10.7 ppg; via Oklahoma), was back in action vs. the Aztecs after being sidelined since just after Thanksgiving, while frosh G Dedan Thomas (12.3 ppg) continues to impress. Play UNLV