In a clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels suffered a heartbreaker against the New Mexico Lobos with a score of 75-73 at the Thomas & Mack Center. A frenetic game ending saw the Rebels' Dedan Thomas Jr. miss the second of two free throws that could have tied it up, leaving the Lobos to scurry off with a two-point victory, as reported by UNLV Athletics.
According to a statement obtained by UNLV Athletics, UNLV's Thomas Jr. played a key role, leading his team with 18 points, while teammate Julian Rishwain backed up the effort with 16 points, including a career-tying five 3-pointers. For the Lobos, Donovan Dent put on a scoring exhibition tallying an impressive 34 points, supported by Nelly Junior Joseph's double-double, notching 22 points and a staggering 18 rebounds, as detailed by GoLobos.com.
The tense affair featured eight lead changes and nine ties, painting a picture of a game that could've gone either way. UNLV stepped up in several categories, outdoing New Mexico in points from turnovers, second-chance points, and bench scoring. However, the Lobos had the upper hand in points in the paint and ultimately the rebound game, outmuscling UNLV 43-35 on the boards.
"Proud of the way they fought, proud of the effort and the energy that was there," Kevin Kruger, UNLV head coach, told UNLV Athletics. Over at the Lobos camp, head coach Richard Pitino lauded his players' rim attacks as a pivotal contributor to their success: "We were great at the rim today and that was big reason why we won," he shared with GoLobos.com.
The loss places the Runnin' Rebels at an 11-9 record overall and 5-4 in conference play, as they set their sights on the upcoming road games against Utah State and UNR. The Lobos, meanwhile, ride high with a 17-4 overall and a commanding 9-1 in the Mountain West, as they look forward to their next bout after a week's rest.
