UCLA Transfers Moser and Stanback Thrive with UNLV: Fan Breakdown

The UCLA Bruins struggle to win games and look like a team that will have a tough time making the NIT this season. Meanwhile, two UCLA transfers thrive and play on the UNLV Runnin Rebels as one of the top-25 college basketball teams in the nation.

Ben Howland's 2011-2012 Bruins would be a much different team if Chace Stanback and Mike Moser were crashing the boards, bombing three-pointers and slamming home highlight-worthy reverse slam dunks in the world-famous Pauley Pavilion.

Unfortunately for Howland and fortunately for UNLV and first year head coach Dave Rice, Moser and Stanback are demolishing opponents in Las Vegas with reckless abandon. The two transfers are leading most scoring categories and Moser is team's best rebounder and ranks among the top rebounders in college basketball.

Both players have their strong points. Stanback is long-range bomber who knocked down eight of nine three-point shots in a game against Louisiana-Monroe and Moser is a down and dirty two-way player who is not afraid to take an elbow in the mouth in pursuit of a rebound on either end of the court.

Moser is also impressive above the rim. When Moser gets elevation on an opponent and slams home a monster dunk or styles with an impressive reverse dunk, it electrifies the Thomas and Mack Center and brings his UNLV Runnin Rebels teammates on the bench to their feet.

Moser led all of NCAA college basketball in rebounds early in the season and he still ranks ninth in the country, averaging 11.2 boards per game. Moser's pace on the boards has slowed since he suffered the wrist injury but he is still a force in the paint.

Stanback's future with the Runnin Rebels was in doubt after his arrest for an alleged DUI but Stanback served his one-game suspension and he has been a model citizen since. The incident turned out as a blessing in disguise and has served to focus Stanback on his basketball skills and little else.

Howland will get to watch his former recruits from afar in March while he sits at home and the Runnin Rebels work their way through the NCAA Tournament. Moser and Stanback have found the perfect home in the desert and while there is no beach in Las Vegas, the two transfers plan on diving deep into the month of March with their new Runnin Rebels teammates.

*Todd Jacobs is a Las Vegas resident and UNLV Runnin Rebels fan since the early '80s.

Sources:

ESPN Clubhouse: UNLV Runnin Rebels stats and news.

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