FSM Essential Recap: UNLV vs UNR - Game 30

FSM Essential Recap: UNLV vs UNR – Game 30

UNLV Runnin’ Rebels (18-12, 7-11 MWC) | Nevada Wolf Pack (22-9, 12-6)

Franchise Sports Media

 

The Runnin’ Rebels ended their season in style, defeating their fated rival UNR in overtime 69-67, finishing with a record of 7-11 in MWC play.

UNLV vs UNR took place in Reno, Nevada on Saturday night. 

The season finale for both teams didn’t mean much in terms of the league standings, however, Kevin Kruger has now improved to 4-0 in the rivalry series.

The UNLV Men’s basketball team won this contest despite losing Keshon Gilbert within the first five minutes of the game, due to Gilbert being ejected with a flagrant foul two after getting into an altercation with a Nevada Wolf Pack player. Gilbert only registered a rebound, an assist, and a turnover before exiting.

In Gilbert’s absence, numerous Runnin’ Rebels stepped up.

EJ Harkless put the team on his back, scoring 17 of his 24 points (10-for-22 FGs, 3-for-10 3s) in the first half. However, Harkless was called for a foul away from the ball, his fifth, and he too was ejected. Harkless tore his jersey in half as he exited the game, but beforehand, he also collected eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

It is time for tip-off for UNLV vs UNR.

UNLV ripped off a 13-0 run to start the game, with Harkless responsible for eight of those points. However, they then allowed UNR to go on a 10-0 run when Gilbert was ejected. 

The start of the first half in the UNLV vs UNR game. 

The Rebels fouled more (27) than they made shots (26). That was the type of game that this one was. David Muoka also fouled out in this one. Although, he did his job with four points, 13 rebounds, and two assists.

Justin Webster, who was the only starter other than Harkless to score in double digits, had 10 points (4-for-7 FGs, 2-for-5 3s). UNLV received some really useful minutes off the bench from Luis Rodriguez who totaled 14 points (3-for-12 FGs, 1-for-6 3s, 7-for-9 FTs) and 13 rebounds. 

Rodriguez also had the game-tying play in regulation, where he scooped up a loose ball after a miss from UNR and went the length of the court, finishing with a tough layup. In addition, Rodriguez iced his final two free throws to finish the game off.

Jackie Johnson was crucial in this one, scoring seven of his 12 total points (5-for-9 FGs, 2-for-5 3s) in overtime.

The end of the first half in the UNLV vs UNR game. 

UNR did not make it easy for the Rebels though, as Nevada attacked and drew numerous fouls. However, they couldn’t make their free throws, shooting 65.7 percent from the charity stripe (23-for-35).

The start of the second half in the UNLV vs UNR game. 

UNR did receive solid play from Jarod Lucas, who finished with 23 points (6-for-11 FGs, 1-for-6 3s, 10-for-12 FTs), six rebounds, and three assists. Kenan Blackshear showed up with 18 points (4-for-15 FGs, 1-for-2 3s, 9-for-12 FTs), five rebounds, and two steals. Blackshear, in particular, had a chance to win it, but he missed a fadeaway at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime.

UNLV’s defense smothered UNR early, as the former held the latter without a field goal for the final 6:56 of the first half, also holding Nevada to just 21 points in the first half.

Nick Davidson was the only UNR player to score off the bench with eight points (3-for-8 FGs, 0-for-2 3s, 2-for-4 FTs), along with 10 rebounds and two blocks.

UNR, however, stormed back into the game with a 10-0 run, trailing UNLV 35-33 with 15:20 to play. After holding UNR to seven made field goals in the first half, UNLV then allowed seven field goals in the first eight minutes of the second half. The Rebels could not stop the bleeding, as the Wolf Pack increased their run to 17-0 down the stretch of the second half.

Eventually, Webster ended a five-minute scoring drought for UNLV, prompting an 8-0 run in just 51 seconds. The Rebels came back from down eight in the final minutes to force overtime. UNR was undefeated at home before this one.

 

Don’t forget to go out and support the Runnin’ Rebels! Click here to get your UNLV Runnin’ Rebels tickets! 

The final score in the UNLV vs UNR game was 69-67, UNLV.

The Runnin’ Rebels will now take on Air Force in the Mountain West Championship Wednesday, March 8th, at 1:30 pm PT. The game will be available on the Mountain West Network.

 

-Jake Ideguchi-Furukawa – Franchise Sports Media

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