UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Stun League-Leading Utah State, 92-65, Thanks To 60-Point Second Half Tuesday
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Story by Alan Snel Photos by J. Tyge O’Donnell
LAS VEGAS, Nevada –– UNLV’s high-energy, six-foot, nine-inch freshman Tyrin Jones punctuated the Runnin’ Rebs’ first half against league-leading Utah State with a dunk before halftime during the team’s final home game on Senior Night.
And the crowd roared with UNLV head coach Josh Pastner punching the air with glee, slapping a player’s hand and pirouetting into the UNLV locker room after the first 20 minutes. UNLV had an eight-point advantage over the Aggies.
Then came the second half and Pastner watched his Runnin’ Rebels play their best 20 minutes of the season as UNLV crushed Utah State, 92-65, by pouring in a stunning 60 points in the second half. UNLV outscored Utah State, 60-41, in the second half.
Howie Fleming Jr. enjoyed his second triple-double (12 points 10 rebounds 12 assists) of the season and Kimani Hamilton led the Rebs with 24 points.
“Great team win,” Pastner said. “We guarded at a high level.”
Amazingly, UNLV’s Dre Gibbs-Lawhorn, the Mountain West’s leading scorer, was held scoreless in the first half and had only two points with about eight minutes left in the game. He finished with ten points.
It was UNLV 32 Utah State 24 at the half, with Runnin’ Rebs guard Isaac “Super John” Williamson pouring in 12 points in the first 20 minutes thanks to a sweet-shooting three-point stroke. Utah State was only one of 12 from 3 Land in the first half, while UNLV sunk five long balls.
UNLV played a very complete game and stunned leaguewide fans by putting up that 60-point spot in the final 20 minutes.
UNLV is now 16 wins and 14 losses on the season and 11 and 8 in the league, with two wins over Utah State, a stunning comeback win over Boise State and a big recent OT win over rival Nevada.
Utah State is 24-6 on the season and 14-5 in the MWC.
“That was a real good win for us,” Pastner said.
The Rebs wrap up the regular season against San Diego State Friday.
Then it’s time for the Mountain West Conference tourney in the same arena that hosted tonight’s game.
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In other college hoops news in the Las Vegas market, the Big West conference will continue staging its league tournament at Henderson’s Lee’s Family Forum through 2030. The Big West has enjoyed its stay at the arena in the Green Valley business area. The Big West made this announcement today.
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