UNLV managed to upset in-state rival UNR in basketball last week. They beat Air Force this week and are on a three-game winning streak.
Are the Rebels playing well enough to make the NCAA tournament next month? Or, is the Wolfpack of UNR still the team to beat in the Mountain West?
Mitch Moss, the host of the daily program "Follow The Money" on VSIN, the Vegas Stats and Information Network, says 'yes.'
“Yes, they are the best team and they are safely in the tournament as we speak,” he said.
However, he's not so sure about UNLV. While the Runnin' Rebels started strong in the pre-season against some weaker teams, they cooled off in conference play and all though they've warmed back up in the second half, Moss is skeptical.
“But it is not good enough to get them an at-large bid in the tournament,” Moss said.
Moss admits there is a chance for UNLV to get into the NCAA Tournament next month - if they win the Mountain West tournament. He is skeptical of that because of the Rebels track record.
“You would expect this team that has the tournament at their home court every year should actually win it occasionally, I don’t think that’s too far-fetched and yet – they never do.”
As far as the tournament itself, college basketball powerhouses like Kentucky, Duke and North Carolina have struggled this year, which could make for an interesting tournament.
“I think we’re talking potential bedlam in the tournament this year,” he said.
Moss believes because the March Madness field could be wide open this year UNR could go a long way.
Meanwhile, spring training is just around the corner – and Moss believes the teams with the top win totals from last season are the ones to watch this season, including the World Series champs Houston Astros, the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals, which both feature star players from Las Vegas, the Yankees and the Cleveland Indians.
One of the most interesting teams to watch this summer might be the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels acquired the hottest prospect out of Japan since Ichiro Suzuki.
Shohei Ohtani is what is known as a 2-way player, meaning he can pitch and he's a homerun hitter.
“I hope Ohtani does awesome so we can all marvel at his talent,” Moss said.
Spend Mitch's Money:
"I would look at the under for the NBA All-Star game. It depends on the number but I would look for the under."
Mitch Moss, VSIN
