The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels gave up a close one to New Mexico 75-73 at Thomas & Mack Center on Saturday.
Dedan Thomas, Jr. scored 18 points. Julian Rishwain added 16 points, shooting 5-of-10 three-pointers.
New Mexico was led by Donovan Dent and Nelly Joseph, who combined for 56 points.
Dent came up big, scoring 34 points, while Joseph scored 22 points and grabbed 18 rebounds.
Rishwain made a three-pointer to give them the lead, 71-70 with 3:48 left to play in the game to give the Runnin’ Rebels a leg up late.
With the Runnin’ Rebels down by two, Thomas, Jr. was fouled on a shot attempt and made it to the free-throw line. Thomas, Jr went 1-of-2 with 1.3 seconds left.
Joseph was fouled on a rebound with less than a second on the clock. Joseph made both free throws to give the Lobos a two-point win.
“Proud of the way they fought, proud of the effort and the energy that was there. Need that at a baseline to beat a team like New Mexico and give yourself a chance, which was a positive from the game in terms of just having that compete and that energy level that was needed,” UNLV coach Kevin Kruger said. “But just because you play hard, it doesn’t always go your way. It was a tough one and just like every night in this conference, now we have to get ready for another tough one.”
The Runnin’ Rebels head out on the road to take on Utah State on Wednesday and UNR on Saturday.
Both games will be televised and are scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
