The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels completed their regular season sweep against San Jose State with a 77-71 victory on Tuesday night.
It was the Runnin’ Rebels’ fourth win out of five games. It was their first win without guard Dedan Thomas, Jr.
Thomas, Jr missed a second straight game with an injury.
For the third time this season, the Runnin’ Rebels had five players scoring in double figures led by Jaden Henley, who scored a career-high 22 points.
Jalen Hill added 17 while Jeremiah Cherry scored 14, Jailen Bedford added 13, and Julian Rishwain finished with 11.
Josh Udjue led the Spartans, scoring 27 points and seven rebounds.
Latrell Davis scored 16 points, and Jermaine Washington added 10.
From the field, the Runnin’ Rebels went 50.9 percent and are 6-0 when they shoot 50 percent or better from the floor.
The Runnin’ Rebels had a little trouble keeping the ball within the game’s first six minutes. They made eight turnovers, but they could turn it around for the remainder of the game, only committing six.
Throughout the game, there were nine lead changes between the two teams. Free throws are what made the difference for the Runnin’ Rebels to win.
“Free throws were the difference in tonight’s game,” UNLV coach Kevin Krueger said. “They stepped up to the line calm and collected. We did a good job competing, battling and doing everything we could in a situation that was tough with guys out. We are really happy for them. They should feel good about this win.”
The Runnin’ Rebels improved their all-time lead over San Jose State to 49-8.
Next up is UNR. The Runnin’ Rebels host the Wolfpack at home on Friday. The game will be nationally televised on FS1.
