UNLV Basketball Crowd Ignites Runnin’ Rebels To Win Over Rival Nevada Tuesday
By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com
It was not exactly a basketball work of art, but there was no denying that there was more energy in Thomas & Mack Center Tuesday night for UNLV’s 69-58 win over in-state rival Nevada.
“That was so much fun to come out of the tunnel and just see how much life there was in the Thomas & Mack,” UNLV coach Kevin Kruger said after the win.
The Runnin’ Rebels enjoyed a 42-26 lead at halftime and held on in the second half to defeat Nevada for the first time since 2018.
They announced attendance at 6,670 and there was some juice in the crowd as UNLV improved to 13-9, including 5-4 in Mountain West Conference play.
“We need that energy every game thankyou students we love y’all,” wrote UNLV player Donovan Williams on Twitter after the game.
More reaction on Twitter:
Williams and Bryce Hamilton each scored 17 points, while guard Jordan McCabe chipped in with 16 points.
UNLV made an effort to get students to attend the game by staging a tailgate atmosphere outside the arena before the rivalry game.
Keep in mind the university requires fans to show proof of vaccination to attend UNLV basketball games at Thomas & Mack Center.
UNLV’s next game is against Utah State in Logan, Utah Saturday.
