UNLV wary of Falcons

Victoria Sun

Friday, Jan. 14, 2000 | 10:06 a.m.

Three points in two games.

That's what has separated the UNLV men's basketball team and Air Force the past two years when the teams tangled at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Rebels (9-4, 0-1 in the Mountain West) won both games, 65-64 last February and 59-58 the previous year, but they haven't forgotten the scares the Falcons (4-8, 0-0) gave them.

UNLV will play Air Force at Clune Arena at 6 p.m. Saturday. The Rebels lead the overall series 8-1.

"The altitude is an obstacle in itself," UNLV point guard Mark Dickel said. "They're going to play us tough.

"They're physical, really disciplined and in no hurry. I think they'll try to make us play in the half-court."

The Falcons are anchored by Tyron Wright, Jarvis Croff and freshman Tom Bellairs.

Wright is an inside scoring threat who is averaging 16.1 points and 5.2 rebounds a game and is helped inside by Bellairs, who leads the team in rebounding with 8.7 a game.

Croff has made 38-of-96 3-pointers this season while averaging 18.9 points a game.

He isn't the only one who likes to shoot it. As a team, the Falcons are known for trying to beat teams by making long-range jumpers.

Because Air Force does not have the quickness to constantly run with the Rebels, in all probability it will try to slow UNLV down by playing a zone defense.

"They'll be patient in the half-court and run when they're given the chance," UNLV head coach Bill Bayno said. "They like to shoot the ball and contesting shots will be very important.

"We've also got to focus on Jarvis Croff and Tyrone Wright and shut them down. We have to make the game tough on them."

Because UNLV lost its MWC opener to BYU, the Rebels definitely need a road victory.

"Every game is important from here on out since the conference started," said Danny Brotherson. "We lost one at home, now we've got to get games back on the road."

* BUMPS AND BRUISES: There are no new significant injuries to report, but a decision on whether to redshirt junior college transfer Kenny Dye will be made soon.

The 6-foot-2 swingman sprained his right shoulder on Dec. 3 during UNLV's 76-66 win over Princeton in the Food Lion MVP Classic. Dye has missed every game since then.

"We're going to look into it," UNLV head coach Bill Bayno said of redshirting Dye.

"This weekend, I'm probably going to meet with Dave Tomchek (the Rebels' trainer) on the road at Air Force and talk about it."