BOUNCE BACK

Not that UNLV is happy its 19-game home winning streak ended with Friday’s 73-55 loss to California, but if Rebels coach Lon Kruger knows how to do anything it’s bounce back from a loss. Entering tonight’s game against Cincinnati at the Thomas & Mack Center, the Rebels have won nine in a row and 11 of 12 following a loss under Kruger.

UNLV’s last loss back-to-back games on Jan. 6 and 10, 2007. The Rebels fell 56-50 at Air Force and then 86-76 at Wyoming.

NOT THESE GUYS AGAIN

If UNLV is to continue its streak of answering losses, perhaps the Bearcats were not the best opponent to pick. Cincinnati is 4-0 against the Rebels, dating to the first meeting in 1998. The teams last faced each other Nov. 24, 2001, and host Cincinnati won, 74-61.

MAYBE EVERYONE DIDN’T GET THE MEMO

UNLV’s loss to Cal meant the Rebels are getting ready to tip off instead of at 7:30 p.m. Maybe most fans don’t realize that, and will arrive just in time for the Cal-Florida State. Empty red seats dominate the Mack. There might be 5,000 fans here.