UNLV-BYU pregame happenings

Tipoff is minutes away in an emotionally charged Thomas & Mack Center in a game that in the past few hours has taken on even more significance as it relates to the upcoming Mountain West Tournament.

San Diego State may have lost a key performer when forward Billy White injured his left knee early in the first half at New Mexico this afternoon and if the former Green Valley High star is out for any length of time, it will severely impact the Aztecs, who got beat by 26 at The Pit by a surging Lobos squad.

If BYU wins tonight, the Cougars move into second place by themselves with New Mexico right on their heels at 8-4. With just two weeks to play in the regular season, the jockeying for position in the MWC tournament will be critical.

UNLV obviously needs to win to have any shot of a top-three seed. Remember, the Rebels still have to play at Utah on Wednesday and at San Diego State March 7. A loss to BYU and the Rebels would be looking square in the face of a No. 5 seed.

And if you’re thinking at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament, UNLV’s recent play makes that a dicey proposition. With a 6-4 record in their last 10 games and the possibility of losing the conference tournament on their home floor, the selection committee will not look kindly on the Rebels come Selection Sunday.

So tonight means more to UNLV than getting in some verbal jabs at Lee Cummard.

Creative jeering?

Just how creative will the UNLV student section be when it comes to heaping abuse upon Cummard? So far, it has been a lot of "You Suck, Cummard!" from the students as the Cougars warmed up. He was roundly booed when introduced with BYU’s starting five. Gee, what a shock.

But there were a lot of people in the Mack to boo Cummard and the Cougars. The entire balcony is full, even the corners, an indication a near-sellout is possible.

Tavernari rumor

There were reports circulating that Jonathan Tavernari was detained and handcuffed by Clark County School District police after attending Friday’s Bishop Gorman playoff game at Palo Verde. However, BYU was reportedly having team meetings at the JW Marriott hotel at the same time so either the eyewitness reports are wrong or Tavernari snuck out on the meeting to watch Gorman play. Or coach Dave Rose gave him permission to watch his former team play.

Tavernari was dressed and started for the Cougars so make of it what you will.