Lost Opportunity: UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Had Chance To Enjoy Spotlight, But Lose First Two Conference Games
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By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher/Writer
Facing a competitive sports market in Las Vegas, the UNLV men’s basketball team won 11 of its first 12 games this season and there was chatter that the Runnin’ Rebels could make the NCAA basketball tournament in 2023 while rekindling memories of past UNLV Big Dance teams.
But then the Mountain West Conference schedule began and UNLV has sputtered. The Rebs lost to San Jose State, 75-72, in overtime on Wednesday to fall to 11-2 on the season. Attendance was announced at 7,249.
And with a chance to wow the country on national CBS TV in a high-profile conference game against nemesis San Diego State, UNLV (11-3 on the season) fell behind by 11 points to the Aztecs at halftime and could not get closer than five points in the second half.
UNLV lost its second straight conference game, and three of its last four games, as San Diego State outlasted the Rebs, 76-67, at Thomas & Mack Center on New Year’s Eve day.
UNLV moves on to play a tough and unbeaten New Mexico team, which is 14-0 after defeating Wyoming by a single point on the road Saturday. The Rebs play the Lobos at The Pit Jan. 7.
The Rebs were led by Luis Rodriguez with 24 points and EJ Harkless scored 18. Keshon Gilbert was limited to only one point.
We are a team that hates losing so there’s a lot of frustration in the result. There was a stretch where they got a cushion and we weren’t able to come back. There was a lot of fight and compete, so we need to dust ourselves off and get back at it Monday to get prepared for next weekend. — UNLV coach Kevin Kruger
UNLV made only 22 of 60 shots during the game, including 10 of 36 from 3-point land. Meanwhile, San Diego State hit 23 of 51 shots, and that included 11 of 21 three-pointers.
UNLV defense continued forcing turnover. The Rebels are third in the nation in forcing turnovers and made San Diego State turn it over 22 times, which is the Aztecs’ season high.
