FSM Essential Recap: UNLV vs Nevada - Game 14

Photo Credit: Terrance Quaites - Franchise Sports Media

FSM Essential Recap: UNLV vs Nevada – Game 14

UNLV (6-8) vs. Nevada (11-7)

Nevada dominates UNLV in an easy win for the Wolfpack.

UNLV falls to Nevada 89-60 on Sunday night. The 29 point loss for the Runnin’ Rebels was their 7^th straight loss to the Wolfpack and none of the games have been relatively close. Nevada had control of the entire game right from the beginning against UNLV who was missing their leading scorer in Bryce Hamilton due to an ankle injury. Hamilton is 3^rd in the Mountain West in scoring but did not dress up on Sunday. It is unknown if he will play in the second game on Tuesday. Nevada ended their two-game losing streak to go 11-7 on the season while UNLV sees their record drop to 6-8.

Nevada shoots lights out leaving UNLV in the dust.

UNLV vs Nevada — *Photo Credit: UNLV Basketball*

Not having Bryce Hamilton did not make a huge difference for the Runnin’ Rebels in this loss as they had trouble stopping Nevada from scoring all game. For Nevada, their first-half performance may have been the best the team has played all season. The Wolfpack made their first 5 three-pointers taken in the game and shot 8-12 from beyond the arc in the opening half. Nevada had a double-digit lead halfway through the opening half and UNLV never got it to a single-digit deficit the rest of the game.

For the entire game, Nevada shot 56% from the field and 58% from three. Everyone played well for the Wolfpack and they executed great teamwork distributing 21 assists throughout the game. Desmond Cambridge Jr. led the way with 17 points on 6-9 shooting. Grant Sherfield scored 15 points to go along with 11 rebounds. Nevada played a total of 12 players compared to UNLV only playing 8. The Wolfpack also got much better contribution off the bench. The Runnin’ Rebels had a total of 11 points from their bench. Nevada had 39 points from their bench.

UNLV did not match the Nevada offense. They shot only 33 percent from the field and only made 8 of the 27 three-pointers taken. David Jenkins and Moses Wood both had 13 points leading their team. Caleb Grill also had 11 points. The other two starters, Nicquel Blake and Mbacke Diong, combined for a rough 5-20 shooting from the field.

The Runnin’ Rebels will look to split the two game series by winning on Tuesday.

“Unacceptable effort and compete, especially in a rivalry game. It’s not how we practice, that’s not how we prepare. Regardless of what players are available, that’s not Runnin’ Rebel basketball and won’t be tolerated. We will address it tomorrow at practice and film, so that we don’t end up in this situation again come Tuesday.” UNLV head coach T.J. Otzelberger said after the game about the lack of passion from the team’s upperclassmen.

UNLV will be hoping to have Bryce Hamilton back for the next game. Regardless, they will have to be better on the defensive side. UNLV should not be letting up 89 points to Nevada or losing by 29 points. UNLV wants to emerge as a top team in the Mountain West Conference, but 29 point losses aren’t going to help that. Nevada deserves credit for their play and excellent shooting, but UNLV will need to have better play in all aspects next game.

Nevada will look to win their 8^th straight game against the Runnin’ Rebels and will go for a series sweep.