Aug. 17, 2004

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV Athletics Department announced its 2004-05 men's basketball schedule on Tuesday. The Runnin' Rebels, who are entering their first year under head coach Lon Kruger, return three starters and a total of nine lettermen from last year's team that reached the championship game of the Mountain West Conference tournament for the third straight year and was invited to the National Invitation Tournament for the third consecutive season as well. In 2004-05, UNLV is scheduled to face seven teams that played in the postseason last year, including six NCAA Tournament teams (Nevada, Reno, Oklahoma State, Texas, Utah, Air Force and BYU). Missouri played in the NIT last year. "We have come up with a very difficult schedule," Kruger said. "It will challenge our guys from start to finish and the non-conference portion of the schedule will prepare us well for Mountain West Conference play." The home schedule is highlighted by the Las Vegas Showdown on Dec. 18, arguably featuring the best field in its nine-year history. This year the event features two NCAA Final Four teams from last season in Oklahoma State and Georgia Tech and another perennial NCAA Tournament entry Gonzaga. This year, UNLV will be showcased in the first game of the doubleheader against Oklahoma State. The entire 2004-05 schedule may be viewed by clicking here. Any additional games, television appearances or time changes will be updated on the schedule on UNLVRebels.com. Season tickets are now on sale - to order please call (702) 739-FANS.