Rebounding Woes Flip the Game Late
UNLV couldn’t overcome a decisive rebounding and second-chance deficit Monday night at MGM Grand Garden Arena, falling 74–67 to Maryland in Players Era Festival group play. The Rebels led 47–41 early in the second half, but Maryland’s physical interior presence swung the game, highlighted by the Terrapins’ 18 second-chance points and 16 paint points after halftime.
The Rebels forced 17 turnovers and turned them into 25 points, but that advantage evaporated as Maryland repeatedly extended possessions, finishing with an 18–5 edge in second-chance scoring.
Rebel Guards Push the Pace but Can’t Offset Maryland’s Size
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn powered UNLV’s offense with 20 points, including three second-half threes that kept the Rebels within striking distance. Kimani Hamilton added 17 points and seven rebounds, and Tyrin Jones contributed 12 points, attacking the rim consistently and providing energy in transition.
UNLV generated 13 fast-break points and outscored Maryland 24 to 12 in points off turnovers in the first half, but the offense stalled during a crucial second-half stretch. A cold spell of eight straight misses over more than four minutes fueled Maryland’s 14 to 4 run, with Pharrel Payne finishing through contact and Darius Adams hitting key perimeter shots.
Maryland’s Size Takes Over Down the Stretch
Maryland regained the lead for good inside the six-minute mark, capitalizing on UNLV’s foul issues and shortened offensive possessions. David Coit hit two deep threes in the final minutes to extend the Terrapin lead to double digits, and Payne closed the game with a dominant stat line featuring multiple paint finishes and efficient free-throw trips.
UNLV drops to 3–3 and returns to MGM Grand Garden Arena Tuesday night to face #8 Alabama, followed by another Players Era Festival matchup on Wednesday or Thursday against an opponent yet to be determined.
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