Like clockwork, Chris Jans seems to win wherever he goes and his MSU has started quickly again this season. Recent close calls vs. Utah and SMU, however, have us wondering if the Bulldogs can stretch the margin on a capable UNLV in Tempe. The Rebs' only loss is an honorable one against a Memphis side that just reached the finals of the Maui Classic, and Kevin Kruger's side looks like it can be as ornery in the Mountain West as it was a year ago. Mercurial soph PG Dedan Thomas (17.8 ppg) might be one fo the best in the region, and rugged 6-11 juco add Bear Cherry (15 ppg; 80% FGs!) is providing a real interior presence. MSU looms dangerous but UNLV can stick close at Mullett Arena, the smaller ASU hockey arena that hosted the NHGL Coyotes the past two years. Play UNLV (at Mullett Arena, Tempe)