FSM Essential Recap: UNLV vs Nevada - Game 15

Photo Credit: YouTube

FSM Essential Recap: UNLV vs Nevada – Game 15

UNLV (6-9) vs. Nevada (12-7)

UNLV continues to struggle when playing their rivals in Nevada.

The Runnin’ Rebels fall to the Nevada Wolfpack for the second time in as many games as they lost 72-62. UNLV continues to have trouble playing their in-state rivals as they have now lost 8 straight to the Wolfpack. Nevada has now won 4 consecutive games at home after this quick two-game sweep of UNLV. They are now 12-7 on the season and have a 7-5 record when playing conference opponents. The Runnin’ Rebels were without their best player and leading scorer Bryce Hamilton for both games as he is dealing with an ankle injury. UNLV failed to get impressive wins on the road at Nevada and drop to 6-9 on the season and 3-5 against Mountain West opponents.

Nevada dominates UNLV in the second half to hand the Runnin’ Rebels their third straight loss.

The Wolfpack were not able to shoot how they did in the first game they played against UNLV when they won 89-60 and shot 56% from the field. However, they were still efficient on offense, especially in the second half leading them to the victory.

Grant Sherfield did his thing once again, leading all starters with 18 points, while the big performance of the night came off the bench for Nevada. That was from sophomore Zane Meeks who had 19 points and 8 rebounds. He was also perfect from the free-throw line making all 7 of his attempts. Nevada as an entire team, shot 20-22 from the free-throw line. The Wolfpack had great protection of the ball, only turning it over seven times over the course of the game.

UNLV not having Bryce Hamilton is a big strain on their offense. They have a difficult time finding consistency from other players. David Jenkins, the Runnin’ Rebels’ second-leading scorer behind Hamilton had only 7 points. Moses Wood had a good game scoring a team-high 16 points, while Caleb Grill played the best game he has had in a while as he had 14 points after connecting on 4 three-pointers. One issue in the two games played against Nevada for UNLV was the bench points. UNLV was outscored 28-6 in bench points in the loss on Tuesday.

A huge second half from Nevada was the big difference in the outcome of this game. UNLV had the lead at the break, a slim four-point lead limiting the Wolfpack offense to only 26 points. Nevada made halftime adjustments that UNLV did not see coming, and they went on to score 46 points in the second half alone, prevailing over the Runnin’ Rebels by ten.

Not the outcome UNLV wanted against Nevada, will now try to rejuvenate when returning home.

UNLV vs New Mexico — *Photo Credit: UNLV Basketball*

After the 29 point blowout loss to Nevada on Sunday night, it was a question of how UNLV would answer. They may not have won the game, but they were a lot more competitive, especially due when they didn’t have a top player not just on their team but in the entire Mountain West Conference, in Bryce Hamilton.

UNLV returns to the Thomas and Mack for two games before hitting the road again. They will host 4-12 Air Force. Air Force sit only ahead of New Mexico in the Mountain West Conference standings. UNLV will look to end their 3 game losing skid and get back on track as the regular season begins to get towards the end.