The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels are now 4-2 after an 80-58 loss to No. 25, Mississippi State (6-0) in the Arizona Tip-Off Tournament. This was the third meeting between the two teams. UNLV still leads the series 2-1.
Lacking Personnel
The Runnin’ Rebels were already without guard Jaden Henley, forward Rob Whaley, Jr. and guard Jace Whiting due to injuries. Early in the second half, Jeremiah Cherry left with a back injury. He had managed two blocks, went 4-of-5 from the floor, and scored 8 points. The Runnin’ Rebels had to rely on freshman forward Jacob Bannarbie, guard Brooklyn Hicks, and forward Jalen Hill to take over rebounding in the paint, they all grabbed five rebounds.
Outscored and Outhustled
Mississippi State outscored the Runnin’ Rebels most of the game. Mississippi State led 22-17 in the first half, with 12 minutes to go. By halftime, the Bulldogs were up 45-32. Their bench outscored the Runnin’ Rebels 48-13. KeShawn Murphy led the Bulldogs with a double-double. He scored 14 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Although Mississippi State had 10 turnovers, they still managed to outscore the Runnin’ Rebels on second-chance points 30-3. UNLV was also outrebounded by the Bulldogs 46-29. The Runnin’ Rebels did shoot 56% from the field in the first half, but production slowed down in the second half with them only going 7-of-23.
Regrouping Before Northwestern
In the post-game press conference, Coach Kevin Kruger said, “But the fun has to be in preparing and figuring out now how we are going to go compete against another really good, really physical team tomorrow, and we will start as soon as we get back to the hotel.”
Up Next:
The Runnin’ Rebels take on the Northwestern Wildcats (5-2) in the Arizona Tip-Off for the third-place finish on Friday, November 29th, 5 p.m. MST/4 p.m. PST at Mullett Arena.
