The FSM Essential Game Recap: UNLV vs California - Game 3

Game Recap: UNLV vs California

Runnin’ Rebels (1-2) vs California Golden Bears (2-0)

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For the second straight game, UNLV has lost a close game in overtime. This time they fell short in Berkeley to California, 79-75.

Junior forward Donnie Tillman led the Runnin’ Rebels with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. He got help from senior guard Elijah Mitrou-Long, contributed 16 pts, 5 rebs, and 4 assists. Junior guard Amauri Hardy also added 15 pts, going 3-7 from beyond the arc. Despite three players scoring in double figures, it was still not enough as the Golden Bears were able to shoot 50.9% from the field.

Cal had four players scoring in double figures and were led by Matt Bradley. The sophomore guard scored a game-high 23 pts, shooting 50% from the field and 6-8 from the free-throw line.

UNLV was leading by nine with six minutes left in regulation before they went cold and shot 1-8 from the field for the remainder of the half. The Golden Bears then used a 16-2 run to overcome the deficit and take the lead in the overtime period. Trailing by two in overtime, Mitrou-Long drove to the basket hoping to tie things up but ended up turning the ball over to clinch the game for Cal.

“I think we just need to be intentional at maintaining our focus,” UNLV head coach TJ Otzelberger said. “I think we got veteran guards out there that I trust. We’re going to keep putting the ball in their hands late to make the right plays for our team.”

The Rebels will now put their focus on UCLA as they travel to Westwood for their second consecutive game on the road against a Pac 12 Conference opponent. When asked what he wants to improve on for Friday’s game, Otzelberger said, “the mentality of our guys and the ball security.” He also said that they have to be as disciplined on the defensive side and on the glass as they were for the game against Kansas State.

Their game against UCLA will be Friday, Nov. 15 at 8 pm. The game will be televised on the Pac 12 Network.

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Isaiah Torres

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