Preview: UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at Nevada Wolf Pack RENO, Nev. (Interstat) — In-state rivals meet Friday night when the Nevada Wolf Pack host the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels in a Mountain West Conference men’s basketball game at Lawlor Events Center. Nevada (15-6) enters with a significant advantage in the standings and seeks to protect its home court against a UNLV squad (10-10) looking to steady its season. The Wolf Pack are coming off a 66-60 overtime victory over Grand Canyon on Tuesday, where Chuck Bailey led the way with 18 points. Bailey’s production has been variable, but he provides a key scoring punch, having reached double figures in three of his last five appearances. UNLV is reeling from a lopsided 89-61 home loss to New Mexico on Tuesday, its second consecutive defeat. Guard Howie Fleming, the team’s focal point, managed just seven points in that contest after a string of stronger performances, including a 21-point, 8-assist effort in a win at San Jose State on Jan. 17. The Rebels’ consistency has been an issue, mixing impressive wins with decisive losses. The Wolf Pack have been strong at home this season, while UNLV has struggled on the road, including a 98-66 loss at Wyoming earlier this month. Nevada won the first meeting last season, and the teams are scheduled for a rematch in Las Vegas on Feb. 28. For UNLV, reversing its recent defensive struggles will be paramount after allowing an average of 85.5 points in its last two games. Nevada will look to control the tempo and leverage its superior record and home-court advantage in one of the conference’s most heated rivalries. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. PST Friday.