The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels stun (7-5,1-0) the Fresno State Bulldogs (4-9,0-2) 87-77 in their first Mountain West conference game of the season.
High Flying Act
The Runnin’ Rebels led by as many as 23 points in the first half with four minutes left to put them at 40-17. Guard Dedan Thomas, Jr. led the Runnin’ Rebels with a game-high of 21 points and dished out six assists. Jailen Bedford stepped up adding 18 points, while Jaden Henley added a season-high tying 15 points. Pape N’Diaye scored a career-high 11.
A Slight Challenge
The Runnin’ Rebels got a little bit of a challenge by the Bulldogs when they pulled to within seven of the Runnin’ Rebels with 16-19 left to go. The Bulldogs eventually pulled in to within four with 13 minutes left. However, the Runnin’ Rebels went on a 7-0 run and then proceeded to increase their lead to 18 a few times with less than five minutes left in the game.
A Numbers Game
The Runnin’ Rebels shot 64.5% in the first half, including 53.8% from the three-point line. They also finished 53.8% from the floor, this is the second time this season that the Runnin’ Rebels finished about 50% from the field. The Runnin’ Rebels also outrebounded the Bulldogs 39-27 and kept the Bulldogs to just six offensive rebounds. The Runnin’ Rebels improved their overall record against the Bulldogs to 37-19 with this third consecutive win over the Bulldogs.
In a post-game press conference, coach Kevin Kruger expressed “I thought we did a great job of sharing the ball and had some great defensive possessions that led to a lot of really good offensive possessions in the first half. In the second half, we just couldn’t seem to get five guys going at the same time except for just a few minute stretch after they cut it to four. Hopefully his can be a confidence builder for us. To hold on and get the win and get off to a good start in conference play is all that matters. We are extremely excited about it and now will get ready for another very unique challenge coming up (at Air Force).”
The Runnin’ Rebels prepare to dance with the Air Force Falcons (3-9,0-1) on New Year’s Eve in Colorado Springs, Colorado at 1 p.m.
On Saturday, January 4th, they open the new year with the San Jose State Spartans (7-7) at 3.p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Runnin’ Rebels look to continue win streak against Fresno State
