Preview: UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Stanford Cardinal PALO ALTO, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Stanford team hosts a struggling UNLV squad in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Sunday at Maples Pavilion. The Cardinal (7-1) enter with momentum, having won their last three games, including a 94-72 rout of Portland on Monday. Stanford’s lone loss came at home against Seattle on Nov. 21. Their balanced attack features sophomore guard Oskar Giltay, who is coming off a season-high 15 points in 21 minutes against Portland. Benny Gealer and Jeremy Dent-Smith also provided 15 and 16 points, respectively, in that win. The Runnin’ Rebels (3-5) look to snap a three-game skid, all coming on a difficult road trip where they fell to Maryland, Alabama and most recently, 80-65 at Rutgers on Nov. 27. UNLV has found wins hard to secure away from home, going 1-4 in road and neutral-site games. A key matchup will feature UNLV’s dynamic guard Tyrin Jones against Stanford’s perimeter defense. Jones leads the Rebels, averaging 12.1 points per game in his last seven contests. He is a disruptive force defensively, recording multiple blocks in five of those games, including a six-block performance in a win over Saint Joseph’s on Nov. 20. Stanford has relied on strong defense and efficient scoring, holding opponents to an average of 72.4 points during its current win streak. UNLV, conversely, has allowed 85.6 points per game during its three-game losing streak. This game marks the final tune-up for both teams before significant stretches. Stanford will embark on a challenging slate featuring games against Notre Dame, Louisville and ACC road trips. UNLV returns home to prepare for the start of Mountain West Conference play in January. Sunday’s contest tips off at 5 p.m. PST.