The Runnin’ Rebels faced the No. 1 conference seed Utah State on March 3, pulled off a major upset, and handed the Aggies their sixth loss of the season with a 92-65 win. UNLV controlled the game on both ends.
For starters, the Rebels’ defense was locked in, taking away clean looks from 1 through 5. UNLV held Utah State to 23-for-61 shooting from the field and just 5-for-30 from 3-point range, good for 37.7 percent overall and 16.7 percent from deep. The Rebels also totaled seven blocks and three steals, and nothing came easy for the Aggies.
Utah State had only seven of its 15 players score, with just three reaching double figures. UNLV, meanwhile, had eight players score, including five in double figures. Kimani Hamilton led the way with 24 points on 71.4 percent shooting.
And he was not the only standout. Guard Howie Fleming Jr. posted his second triple-double of the season with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists, plus two steals, while shooting 40 percent from the field
Undoubtedly, UNLV dominated on the offensive end, too. The Rebels shot 57.6 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range. They also turned in one of their most efficient free-throw nights of the season, hitting 82.4 percent at the line.
UNLV also leaned on its size to control the paint, scoring 46 points in the restricted area.
Now the Rebels have positioned themselves as one of the hottest teams in the Mountain West. They have climbed to the No. 5 seed and carry a two-game winning streak. UNLV closes the regular season March 6 against San Diego State, looking to keep rolling and add another statement win.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels’ Overtime Thriller Stuns Rival Nevada Wolf Pack
Jesse Vanderveer is a basketball reporter and writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @JesseVanderveer22
