Runnin’ Rebels Pump Up the Volume at Thomas & Mack with OT Win Over Boise State

 

ALAN SNEL

LVSportsBiz.com

 

LVSportsBiz.com photos by J. Tyge O’Donnell

 

They tried everything to get fans to return to Thomas & Mack Center to watch the UNLV basketball team, the gold standard of Las Vegas sports a former generation ago.

 

And while the gym was not completely full Saturday night, the joint was loud and it turns out a winning Runnin’ Rebels team can crank the volume in the arena. The announced attendance was 9,301.

 

The Rebs went to overtime to defeat Boise State, 85-81.

 

 

“Coach said in the huddle, ‘Act like this is your last game,’ ” UNLV senior guard Noah Robotham said after the OT victory. “Unbelievable to win on Senior Night.”

 

There were lots of empty red seats at Thomas & Mack throughout the home season, but the Runnin’ Rebs have a winning record in Mountain West thanks to the play of two seniors — Kris Clyburn and Robotham — and a slew of young players. The win over Boise State was UNLV’s tenth in league play and guarantees a winning record in the Mountain West. The Rebs are now 16-13 overall, and 10-7 in the MWC.

 

 

“It’s always fun when you win. Two or three grew up during the course of the game,” coach Marvin Menzies said. He told LVSportsBiz.com after the game that he heard louder crowds at home this season, but Saturday’s crowd was one of the best during the years.

 

 

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