WOMEN: NEW MEXICO AT UNLV

Friday, 3 p.m. Streaming: themw.com (streaming). Radio: 610 AM/95.9 FM

What you need to know about New Mexico:

The Lobos will try to shake off any rust fom a threeday break caused by last week’s COVID-19 pause. No players had positive test results, but a week off from basketball activities could play a role in terms of conditioning. Regardless, expect UNM to push the pace and attempt a high number of 3-pointers. The Lobos still lead the nation in scoring (95.4 points per game) and pace the MWC in 3-pointers attempted and made per game, but they are adept attacking the basket if opponents become too aggressive in defending the 3-point arc. De La Cerda leads UNM in scoring, rebounding and assists despite something of a cold start from 3-point range this season. She’s just 7-for-25 (28%) from long range but is adept at scoring inside and getting to the foul line, where she’s made 23 of 27 free throws (85.2%). UNM has struggled at UNLV over the years but picked up an 80-64 win at Cox Pavilion last season.

What you need to know about UNLV:

The Lady Rebels have undergone massive changes since last season, with a new coach and almost an entirely new roster. La Rocque, a former player and assistant coach at Stanford, took over shortly after UNLV parted ways with longtime coach Kathy Olivier in March. La Rocque brings a different style with more 3-point shooting, though the Rebels remain a physical squad that rebounds well. Only two players remain from last year’s roster, standout guard Bailey Thomas and reserve forward Anna Blount. It’s a young group with just two upperclassmen and a host of sophomores and freshmen. Byrne, a transfer from Minnesota, and guards Bailey and Jade Thomas have combined to hit 53 of UNLV’s 65 3-pointers. Ball security has been an issue for the Lady Rebels, who average 17 turnovers per game and rank last in the MWC in assist-to-turnover ratio (-3.22 per game).