By Austin Turner – Content Editor
It’s been a rough start for San Jose State (1-14, 0-4 MWC) in Mountain West play, and it will have another hurdle in its way when it takes on the UNLV Lady Rebels (4-11, 2-2 MWC). The Spartans traditionally haven’t done well against UNLV, as they trail the all-time series 6-32.
The Lady Rebels struggled early in the season with a brutal out-of-conference schedule, but will come into San Jose with a two game winning streak, after convincing victories over New Mexico and Air Force.
Don’t expect a high scoring game. Both teams enter Saturday’s game near the bottom of the MWC in scoring offense, with SJSU ranked eighth with 60 points per game, and UNLV last with 56.
Despite being the worst scoring team in the conference, senior center Katie Powell ranks sixth in the MW with 14.7 points per game.
At 6-foot-4, Powell will tower over Spartan defenders. She stretches the floor with her 37 percent 3-point shot.
While that isn’t a great percentage, she still shoots plenty of threes to keep the defense disciplined. Keeping her contained and away from the basket will be key for the Spartans.
San Jose State has had plenty of struggles shooting the ball, but in order to grab its first conference victory it will need to shoot well from range. The big height disadvantage will limit its opportunities to drive to the bucket, so shooting on the perimeter will be a must.
Leading scorer Cydni Lewis and her 48 percent shot from three will be crucial.
The Spartans host the Lady Rebels on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Event Center.
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