Nov. 15, 1999
LAS VEGAS: The UNLV Runnin? Rebels defeated California West All-Stars 104-87 on Monday, Nov. 15, at the Thomas & Mack Center. UNLV ended the exhibition slate with a 2-0 record and averaged 103.5 points. UNLV defeated Global Sports 103-97 on Nov. 8 in the first exhibition game.
UNLV displayed a balanced scoring attack with six players in double figures. Junior guard Trevor Diggs led the Runnin? Rebels with 19 points (8-for-16 FG, 3-for-8 3PFG) and freshman forward Dalron Johnson added 16 (6-for-8 FG) and 9 rebounds. Senior center Issiah Epps had a strong performance with 14 points (7-for-9 FG) and 5 rebounds and three other Rebels scored 11 points: junior center Kaspars Kambala, senior guard Mark Dickel and junior forward Danny Brotherson. He also had a strong overall game with 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals in 21 minutes.
The California West All-Stars, which dropped to 7-5 on its 14-game tour, were led by forward Kenneth Young?s 19 points. Forward Jason Williams added 18. California West All-Stars have defeated Wyoming, Northern Arizona, Idaho, Utah, Arizona State, New Mexico and California on its current tour.
The game was close through the first 10 minutes. UNLV, leading 21-18, went on a 11-3 run to take a 32-21 lead with 6:14 left in the half. UNLV then increased the lead to 19-points at the half at 49-30.
In the first half, UNLV shot .500 (21-for-42) from the field and California West All-Stars shot .333 (11-for-33) and UNLV outrebounded Cal All-Stars 30-17.
UNLV came out and played another solid half. The Runnin? Rebels enjoyed a big lead throughout the second half. UNLV led by 20 points, 56-36 with 17:11 to play on two free throws by Dickel.
UNLV held its biggest lead of 26 points at 76-50 on a layup by junior guard Kenny Dye with 11:55 remaining.
The Runnin? Rebels hit the century mark for the second time on the exhibition season on a 3-pointer by Diggs with 2:14 to play.
UNLV shot .518 (44-for-85) from the field and California West All-Stars shot .382 (29-for-76). UNLV shot .273 (6-for-22) from 3-point range and California All-Stars shot .286 (6-for-21). UNLV shot .714 (10-for-14) from the line and .852 (23-for-27). UNLV outrebounded California West All-Stars 52-41.
The Runnin? Rebels will open its 42nd season of basketball on Friday, Nov. 19, against Mississippi Valley State at 7:35 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center.
