UNLV vs. Wisconsin: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

Wisconsin will look to win its 44th straight home game against unranked non-conference opponents on Saturday, but their matchup with the UNLV Runnin' Rebels will not be a walk in the park.

The Badgers have shot poorly from the floor in recent games and it cost them wins against North Carolina and Marquette, their last two opponents.

Wisconsin's defense, which has been strong all year, has to be good again against UNLV forward Mike Moser, who is averaging 15.8 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.

UNLV is a lot like North Carolina in the sense the Rebels are quite athletic and are good in transition. Wisconsin cannot get into a track meet or they will be in trouble.

This game is a chance for both teams to earn an impressive non-conference win for their tournament resumes, and it will be a hard fought battle.

Let's look at everything you need to know about this exciting matchup.

Where: Kohl Center, Madison, Wis.

When: Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. ET

Watch: Big Ten Network

Listen: For a Badgers station near you, click here. For UNLV, use local CBS radio affiliate.

Betting Line: Wisconsin -9 (according to CBS Sports)

Key Injuries

Neither team has injuries to report.

What's at Stake?

For Wisconsin, a win against UNLV would be a solid non-conference win they can build on for when Big Ten play commences. UNLV is a good team and Wisconsin will have to play well to combat their speed and athleticism.

For UNLV, a win would put them at 10-1 and certainly help gain consideration for some Top 25 votes. To beat a ranked team on the road would look really good for their NCAA Tournament resume as well. It is never too early to build that resume.

What They're Saying

Wisconsin point guard Jordan Taylor said the following about the Badgers' poor shooting of late.

Via ESPN:

"Shots aren't falling for some guys right now, but we've just got to keep working, keep getting better every day and it will come," Taylor said. "It just comes with staying aggressive."

UNLV guard Justin Hawkins talked about the challenge he has in defending Taylor on Saturday.

Via the Las Vegas Sun:

“He’s always on attack mode,” Hawkins said. “Whether he’s setting up for himself or the rest of his teammates, you’ve just got to lock in and be prepared for a battle.”

Player to Watch for Wisconsin: Jordan Taylor

Badgers point guard Jordan Taylor is a quick player who can score the basketball against even the best defenders.

Taylor brings an all-around skill set to Wisconsin and gives them a bit of everything, including rebounding. He also leads the team in points and assists per game.

Player to Watch for UNLV: Mike Moser

UNLV forward Mike Moser leads the team in points per game, rebounds per game and blocked shots. He is a strong player in the low-post who is excellent at getting into good position for rebounds.

Wisconsin must block him out or he will get offensive rebounds and create second-chance points for his team.

Key Matchup: Hawkins vs. Taylor

The battle between these guards could decide the game. Hawkins will have to stop Taylor from playing the game at Wisconsin's pace, and must limit his scoring.

That task starts with pressuring Taylor as he brings the ball up the floor and not gambling on the steal, just keep in front of him. If Hawkins can contain Taylor then the Badgers offense will struggle as a whole.

Prediction: UNLV Upsets Wisconsin, 84-79

I really like UNLV's athleticism and ability to cause problems for Wisconsin in the open floor. Hawkins has the potential to limit Taylor, who is the Badgers' best playmaker.

Moser should be able to dominate the glass allowing the Rebels to rack up second-chance points and ultimately wear down the Badgers later in the game.

Wisconsin's offense, especially their outside shooting, has shown no signs of consistency lately and that is a problem against a good defensive UNLV team.