Josh Pastner said building culture in Year One does not happen overnight. Still, effort and urgency have to show up immediately.
On Saturday night, they did not show up when it mattered most.
UNLV lost 63-60 to Tennessee State at Henderson’s Lee’s Family Forum in the Jack Jones Classic. The Runnin’ Rebels led for more than 26 minutes but failed to close, falling to 4-6.
“I use the term playing with your hair on fire like winning that possession is more important than breathing,” Pastner said Thursday.
Early control fades late
UNLV led 33-29 at halftime and controlled long stretches of the second half. However, the Rebels never created real separation.
UNLV shot 19-for-51 from the field and went 3-for-15 from 3-point range. Tennessee State struggled from deep as well, finishing 2-for-16.
Extra possessions decide the game
The difference came inside. Tennessee State outscored UNLV 40-32 in the paint and dominated second-chance points 16-7.
UNLV committed 14 turnovers. Two of them came in the final minute, and both proved costly.
Free throws keep it close
Neither team took advantage at the line. UNLV went 19-for-32 on free throws, while Tennessee State hit just 5 of 13.
Because of that, the game stayed tight into the final minute. Still, UNLV could not capitalize.
Final minute collapse
With the score tied 60-60, UNLV turned it over with 50 seconds left. Aaron Nkrumah converted a layup with 32 seconds left to give Tennessee State the lead.
UNLV committed another turnover with 11 seconds remaining. The Rebels then missed a potential tying 3-pointer as time expired.
Individual efforts not enough
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn led UNLV with 13 points. Howie Fleming Jr. added 9 points off the bench.
Kimani Hamilton grabbed 9 rebounds, and Emmanuel Stephen added 5. However, empty possessions defined the night.
Tennessee State placed four players in double figures. Nkrumah and Travis Harper II scored 12 each, Carlous Williams added 10, and Dante Harris finished with 8 points and 5 assists.
The takeaway
Pastner believes in the long-term build. In the short term, UNLV is still learning how to finish.
What’s next for the Runnin’ Rebels
UNLV opens Mountain West play at home Dec. 20. The Rebels host Fresno State at 4 p.m. PT at the Thomas & Mack Center on the Mountain West Network/Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network.
Then UNLV stays in Las Vegas for a nonconference game against La Sierra on Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. PT, also on the Mountain West Network/Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network.
Next, UNLV returns to league play Jan. 3, welcoming Air Force at 2 p.m. PT at the Thomas & Mack Center on the Mountain West Network/Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network.
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