Feb. 1, 2000

LAS VEGAS: The UNLV Runnin' Rebels will open a three-game homestand against No. 19 Utah on Saturday, Feb. 5, at 7:35 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center (18,500). UNLV then will host Colorado State (Feb. 10) and Wyoming (Feb. 12). The Utah game will be the halfway mark of Mountain West Conference play. UNLV's six of its remaining nine regular season games will be played at home. UNLV concluded a stretch of four out of five road games (Jan. 15-31) with a 4-1 record.

All Runnin' Rebel games will be carried live on ESPN 920 AM. Ken Korach and Glen Gondrezick will call the action all season long. Rebel Radio Pregame on Saturday will begin at 5:30 p.m. with Tony Cordasco, Ruben Herrera and Derek Roy. The pregame show with Ken and Gondo will begin at 6:30 p.m. For home games, fans can bring their radio to the game and tune in to ESPN's radio broadcast inside the Thomas & Mack Center on 99.5 FM. Radio broadcasts can be heard on the internet at www.unlvrebels.com.

THE WEBSITE: The UNLV athletic department's home page is www.unlvrebels.com

TELEVISION: Saturday's game will be televised by KJZZ-TV and be shown in Salt Lake City.

RADIO/TV SHOW INFO: "Game Time with UNLV Hoops" television show will be shown every Sunday on KLAS TV-8 at 4:30 p.m. The show, with Head Coach Bill Bayno and host Chris Maathuis, features previews of upcoming opponents and highlights of previous games.

"The Bill Bayno Radio Show" can be heard live every Tuesday from Barley's (4500 E. Sunset Road) at 7 p.m. on ESPN 920 AM with hosts Ken Korach and Glen Gondrezick. The weekly show, which can be heard on www.unlvrebels.com, features interviews and listener call-ins. Listeners are invited to call in to the show at (702) 365-9200. The next two coaches shows will air on Tuesday, Feb. 8, and Tuesday, Feb. 15.

In addition every Runnin' Rebel game can be heard live on Teamline by calling (800) 846-4700. The Runnin' Rebel team access code is 1094.

LINEUPS: Here's a glance at the possible starters for each team.

UTAH UTES (17-3, 6-0)

UNLV RUNNIN' REBELS (13-5, 4-2)

INJURY REPORT: Athletic Trainer Dave Tomchek reports that junior guard Danny Brotherson has tendonitis in the left arch and junior guard Kenny Dye has a sprained right shoulder, which occurred in the Princeton game on Dec. 3. Dye has missed the last 13 games and is a redshirt candidate. Sophomore guard/forward Lou Kelly has a broken right foot (fracture of the fifth metatarsal) and will be out of action indefinitely.

TICKET INFORMATION: Individual game tickets are available for the 1999-2000 season. For season ticket information, call 895-UNLV and individual game tickets are available at the Thomas & Mack Center box office. Tickets are priced at $15, $12, $10 for reserved seats in the balcony. Fans can also purchase tickets through tickets.com at 888-464-2468.

PROMOTIONS: Utah vs. UNLV - Saturday, Feb. 5 - - Pom poms which includes a free pepsi will be given out to the first 5,000 fans, sponsored by Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center.

SATURDAY SPECIAL SEASON TICKET PLAN: The Saturday Special season ticket plan is offered for five Saturday games over the remainder of the 1999-2000 home schedule. The special will offer lower level and balcony season tickets including scholarship donations at a 50 percent discount off regular season ticket prices. The remaining four games are: Feb. 5 vs. Utah at 7:35 p.m., Feb. 12 vs. Wyoming at 7:35 p.m., Feb. 26 vs. Air Force at 7:35 p.m., March 4 vs. New Mexico at Noon in the regular season finale. For futher information, call 895-UNLV.

REBEL BASKETBALL LUNCHEONS: The Rebel basketball luncheons featurning Bill Bayno will be held six times this season at noon at the Si Redd Room in the Thomas & Mack Center. Admittance is free to working media.

LUNCHEON SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, Feb. 2
Wednesday, Feb. 16
Monday, March 6

UNLV vs. WYOMING RECAP: Wyoming defeated UNLV in a Mountain West Conference shootout 109-98 on Monday, Jan. 31, at the Arena-Auditorium in Laramie. The Cowboys shot a red hot .632 (24-for-38) from the field in the first half to post a 63-45 lead. With the score tied at 15-15 (15:33), Wyoming scored 13 straight points to lead 28-15 (12:40). UNLV rallied and trailed 30-27 (9:47). UNLV later cut the deficit to 37-36 (5:43). Wyoming then went on a 26-9 run over the final 5:43. Wyoming picked right up in the second half and increased the lead to 25 points at 75-50 with 17:30 to play. The Cowboys enjoyed its biggest lead of the night at 33 points with a 83-50 advantage (16:08). UNLV showed no quit and narrowed the lead to 18 points at 98-80 (5:59). The closest UNLV got was the final score of 109-98. Senior point guard Mark Dickel scored a career-high 29 points (9-for-16 FG, 3-for-7 3PFG, 8-for-8 FT) and dished out 10 assists and accounted for 49 of UNLV's 98 points. Freshman forward Dalron Johnson recorded his fifth double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Anthony Blakes led Wyoming with 26 points and 10 rebounds. UNLV shot .451 (37-for-82) from the field and Wyoming .506 (42-for-83). UNLV shot .280 (7-for-25) from 3-point range and Wyoming .333 (8-for-24). UNLV shot .850 (17-for-20) from the line and Wyoming .680 (17-for-25). UNLV outrebounded Wyoming 44-41.

Halftime: Wyoming 63, UNLV 45. Turnovers: UNLV 19 (Diggs 4, Dickel 4), Wyoming 15 (McMillian 5). Blocked Shots: UNLV 4 (Johnson 2), Wyoming 4 (Davis 4). Steals: UNLV 6 (Brotherson 2, Richardson 2), Wyoming 13 (Blakes 4, McMillian 4). Officials: Hall, Stupin, Ball. Attendance: 7,114.

UTAH: The 19th-ranked Utes are 17-3 overall and 6-0 in the Mountain West Conference (1st place).

SERIES HISTORY: UNLV leads the series against Utah 9-6 (Home: 6-2, Away: 1-4, Neutral: 2-0). UNLV and Utah last met three times during the 1997-98 season. Utah defeated UNLV 67-54 on Jan. 24, 1998, at the Thomas & Mack Center, Utah then wohen defeated Utah 54-51 in the WAC Tournament quarterfinals on March 5, 1998, at the Thomas & Mack Center.

UTAH HEAD COACH RICK MAJERUS: He is in his 11th season at Utah and his record is 255-67 (.792) and career record over 16 seasons is 354-119 (.748).

UNLV vs. THE MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE: UNLV has an all-time record of 70-32 (.686) against the seven teams in the Mountain West Conference: vs. Air Force (9-1), BYU (4-3), Colorado State (12-3), New Mexico (9-7), San Diego State (18-4), Utah (9-6), Wyoming (9-8).

RUNNIN' REBEL HEAD COACH BILL BAYNO: He is in his fifth season as the head coach of the UNLV Runnin' Rebels. He is UNLV's 10th head coach in the 42-year history of Rebel basketball. He has a career record of 81-57 (.587) at the helm of Runnin' Rebel basketball. He recorded back-to-back 20-win seasons (42-23 record over that stretch) in '96-97 and '97-98 and has guided UNLV to postseason play for three straight seasons (NIT in '96-97, NCAA in '97-98, NIT in '98-99). He has also recorded three straight .500 or better seasons (1996-99). In 1998-99, UNLV compiled an overall record of 16-13 and were the WAC Mountain Division Co-Champions. UNLV compiled an overall record of 22-10 in 1996-97 in Bayno's second season. UNLV more than doubled its win total from 1995-96 (10-16 record). In 1997-98, UNLV compiled an overall record of 20-13. The Runnin' Rebels had a remarkable run winning four games in five days in the WAC Tournament. UNLV posted victories over Hawai'i, Utah, Fresno State and New Mexico to capture the WAC Tournament championship and receive the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. UNLV reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 1990-91 season. UNLV faced eighth-ranked Princeton in the NCAA East Regionals in Hartford, Conn. Bayno served seven years as the associate head coach at the University of Massachusetts under John Calipari (former head coach of the NBA's New Jersey Nets). Other coaching experience includes: 1987-88: Assistant Coach, Baptist College (Charleston, SC), 1986-87: Graduate Assistant Coach, University of Kansas, 1985-86: Graduate Assistant Coach, Seton Hall University. Playing experience includes: 1980-82: Massachusetts and 1983-85: Sacred Heart University.

3-POINT GOALS: Since the 3-point field goal was adopted by the NCAA in 1986-87, UNLV has converted at least one 3-pointer in all 436 games played (counting 18 games this season). The Big West Conference experimented with the 3-point shot in the 1982-83, 1984-85 and 1985-86 seasons. During that period, UNLV connected from 3-point range in 53 of 64 games. The UNLV streak for games in which it sank at least one 3-point shot stands at 449. The last time the Runnin' Rebels failed to make at least one 3-pointer came against Long Beach State on Jan. 25, 1986. NOTE: The other school with a consecutive 3-point streak over 400 is Vanderbilt with 426 (as of Jan. 18).

UNLV HOME RECORD: UNLV has a 60-21 (.741) record under head coach Bill Bayno at the Thomas & Mack Center.

A STATISTICAL COMPARISON: Here's a look at Utah and UNLV's statistical comparisons for 1999-2000.

NOTES

THREE STRAIGHT ROAD WINS: UNLV won its first three MWC road games over Air Force (Jan. 15), New Mexico (Jan. 17), Colorado State (Jan. 29). It marked the first time a UNLV team captured three straight road wins since the 1991-92 season. The Runnin' Rebels won their last 10 road games, which included nonconference opponents, en route to an overall 26-2 record.

ROAD RECORD: UNLV is 4-3 on the road this season (which includes a 1-1 record on a neutral court at the Charlotte Food Lion MVP Classic). The Runnin' Rebels have three road games remaining in the regular season. One more victory would guarantee at least a .500 record on the road.

UNLV AND WYOMING COMBINE FOR 207 POINTS: Wyoming defeated UNLV 109-98 on Jan. 31 in Laramie for a combined 207 points. The 1992-93 season was the last time UNLV and its opponent combined for more points. UNLV defeated UC Irvine 115-97 on Dec. 19, 1992, at the Thomas & Mack Center for a combined 212 points.

DICKEL AND KAMBALA: The only two players who have started in all 18 games.

UNLV RANKS FIFTH IN THE NATION IN OFFENSE: UNLV ranks fifth in the nation in scoring (85.3, as of Feb. 1). The top five: TCU (90.0), Duke (89.3), Siena (86.5), Florida (85.9) and UNLV (85.3).

50 PERCENT FIELD GOAL SHOOTING: UNLV has shot 50 percent or better from the field in 6 of 18 games...UNLV is 6-0 in those games.

OUT REBOUNDING THE OPPONENT: UNLV is 12-1 in games it has outrebounded its opponent and 1-4 when they have been outrebounded (vs. N.C., OSU, Cincinnati, BYU...High Point W 72-53). UNLV lost at Wyoming 109-98 on Jan. 31 and outrebounded the Cowboys 44-41.

CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARD: Junior center Kaspars Kambala has captured the Mountain West Conference Player of the Week award three times this season, the most by any player in the league. Former UNLV great Larry Johnson captured the Big West Conference Player of the Week award four times during the 1990-91 season and J.R. Rider received the award three times during the 1992-93 season.

DOUBLE FIGURE SCORING: UNLV has placed four or more players in double figures in scoring in 10 of 18 games: vs. Mississippi Valley State: four players - Kambala (21), Dickel (17), Diggs (13), Richardson (11), vs. UNR: five players - Diggs (20), Brotherson (18), Dickel (16), Kambala (13), Richardson (11), vs. Georgetown: five players - Diggs (27), Kambala (15), Dickel (14), Brotherson (13), Richardson (10), vs. North Carolina: four players - Kambala (20), Diggs (15), Dickel (14), Brotherson (12), vs. Austin Peay State: five players - Kambala (23), Dickel (14), Diggs (11), Dotson (11), Brotherson (10), vs. Oklahoma State: four players - Kambala (18), Dickel (14), Diggs (14), Johnson (13), vs. Cal Poly: four players - Kambala (31), Johnson (19), Dickel (18), Diggs (12), vs. San Diego State: four players - Stewart (17), Diggs (17), Kambala (13), Dickel (10), vs. Colorado State: five players - Kambala (23), Diggs (15), Dickel (15), Johnson (10), Stewart (10), vs. Wyoming: four players - Dickel (29), Johnson (14), Kambala (11), Stewart (10).

DOUBLE DIGIT ASSISTS: Mark Dickel and Trevor Diggs each recorded double digit assist games against Cal Poly on Dec. 21. Diggs had a season-high 11 and Dickel 10. The team recorded a season-high 33. The last time two UNLV players recorded 10 or more assists in a game was on Nov. 28, 1980. Guards Greg Goorjian and Michael Burns each dished out 10 assists. UNLV defeated Pan American 78-62 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

TWO PLAYERS WITH 20 OR MORE POINTS: Trevor Diggs scored 28 points and Dalron Johnson added 22 against Air Force on Jan. 15. It marked the first time two UNLV players scored 20 or more points since Feb. 13, 1999, at Rice when Shawn Marion and Kevin Simmons each scored 21.

A GREAT START: UNLV began the 1999-2000 season 5-0 which was the best start in Bill Bayno's five seasons as head coach. UNLV was 4-0 to begin the 1996-97 season in Bayno's second season. UNLV was 11-2 in the 1996-97 season after 13 games.

PACIFICARE RUNNIN' REBEL ALL-MILLENNIUM TEAM: The UNLV Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced that basketball fans will have the opportunity to vote for the PacifiCare Runnin' Rebel All-Millennium Team. Voting will take place primarily on the athletics department website at www.unlvrebels.com in conjunction with FANSONLY. A ballot will also appear in the 1999-2000 Runnin' Rebel Official Yearbook and in the Rebel Nation (Nov. 2 edition). The contest will launch on the website on Tuesday, Nov. 2, and conclude on Wednesday, March 1.

Though this is only the 42nd season of men's basketball at UNLV, the push into the year 2000 offers a perfect chance to reflect on a program's storied past, honor its accomplishments and - most fun of all - select its best players in history.

Certain to spark friendly debate across the Las Vegas Valley, the naming of the all-time best Runnin' Rebels comes with just one catch - you get to decide. That's right, it is the fans who get to vote for the school's most dominating center, prolific shooting guard and effective forward.

Brought to you by the UNLV athletics department, the FANSonly Network and PacifiCare of Nevada, the election will see the best of the basketball bunch pared down to the ultimate Runnin' Rebel squad. Five players, one from each position, will be chosen from the 36 nominees provided along with any write-in candidates.

"Although UNLV basketball is a relatively young program, in just more than four decades of existence it has established a presence rivaling any school in the nation," Geri Martin, marketing manager for PacifiCare of Nevada, said. "Moreover, the Runnin' Rebels have become a vital part of our community. As we head into the next millenium, this is PacifiCare's way of helping honor some of the best to ever play the college game."

PacifiCare is one of the country's leading managed health care services companies. Primary operations include managed care products for Medicare beneficiaries and employer groups in nine states, serving approximately 3.6 million members.

Voting for the team is as simple as hitting a few buttons. You can click to pick! All five positions have at least seven candidates to choose from, each with biographical information available.

Voting closes on March 1. The PacifiCare Runnin' Rebel All-Millennium Team will be announced during ceremonies on Saturday, March 4, as part of UNLV's final regular-season home game against Mountain West Conference rival New Mexico.

From Elburt Miller, who scored 55 points in one game in 1967 to Shawn Marion, who was an NBA lottery pick in 1999, all the Runnin' Rebel greats are included on the ballot for your perusal. Now it's your job to pick just five.

"We hope all fans will get involved and vote for their all-time favorites," Martin said. "PacifiCare would like to thank not only those who had the greatest impact, but also all who ever donned a UNLV uniform. Thanks for putting Runnin' Rebel basketball on the map."

The following is the list for the All-Millennium Team: Center - George Ackles (1988-91), Richie Adams (1981-85), Jimmie Baker (1972-74), Lewis Brown (1973-77), David Butler (1988-90), Keon Clark (1996-98), Elmore Spencer (1990-92). Power Forward - Jarvis Basnight (1985-86), Armon Gilliam (1984-87), Glen Gondrezick (1973-77), Evric Gray (1990-93), Sidney Green (1979-83), Larry Johnson (1989-91), Jackie Robinson (1973-78). Small Forward - Larry Anderson (1979-83), Stacey Augmon (1987-91), Robert Florence (1971-74), Shawn Marion (1998-99), Elburt Miller (1966-68), Eddie Owens (1973-77), Gerald Paddio (1986-88), J.R. Rider (1991-93). Shooting Guard - Freddie Banks (1983-87), Dexter Boney (1991-93), Anderson Hunt (1988-91), Anthony Jones (1984-86), Reggie Manuel (1991-95), Sam Smith (1975-77), Tony Smith (1976-79). Point Guard - Greg Anthony (1988-91), Michael Burns (1978-82), Robert Smith (1974-77), Ricky Sobers (1973-75), Danny Tarkanian (1981-84), Reggie Theus (1975-78), Mark Wade (1985-87).

RUNNIN' REBELS EARLY SIGNINGS: UNLV announced the early period signings for the 2000-2001 season:

Omari Pearson F/6-8/Sr. Crispus Attucks Charter School in York, Penn., Hometown: Wheaton, Ill.

*Lou Kelly F/6-5/So. San Bernardino Valley, Hometown: San Bernardino, Calif.

*resigned national letter-of-intent, played in two games this season before being injured.

UNLV PLAYER-BY-PLAYER NOTES

DANNY BROTHERSON: Has appeared in 18 games and is averaging 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and second on the team with 34 steals. Scored 6 points and pulled down 5 rebounds in each of the first two games against Mississippi Valley State (Nov. 19) and Fairfield (Nov. 21). He dished out a season-high 8 assists in 23 minutes against Fairfield. Scored a season-high 18 points (7-for-10), 11 in the first half, against UNR on Nov. 24. Compiled his first UNLV career double-double with 13 points and a season-high 11 rebounds in a season-high 36 minutes against Georgetown on Nov. 28. Also dished out 6 assists and had 3 steals against the Hoyas. He started his first game against Princeton on Dec. 3. He scored 4 points and pulled down 6 rebounds in 30 minutes. Scored 12 points (3-for-6 FG, 2-for-4 3PFG) and pulled down 4 rebounds in 28 minutes against then-No. 2 North Carolina on Dec. 4. Scored 10 points (4-for-7 FG), 5 rebounds and 4 steals in 27 minutes against Austin Peay State on Dec. 15. Scored 4 points, 3 rebounds and had 3 steals in 28 minutes against then-No. 14 Oklahoma State on Dec. 18. He pulled down 5 rebounds and tied his season high with 8 assists in 29 minutes against Cal Poly on Dec. 21. Scored 9 points and pulled down 5 rebounds in 27 minutes against Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 28. He came off the bench to score 15 points (4-for-13 FG, 6-for-8 FT), 12 in the second half, in 31 minutes against then-No. 3 Cincinnati on Jan. 2. He scored 14 points (6-for-14 FG) and recorded a season-high 6 steals in 32 minutes against High Point on Jan. 4. He came off the bench and scored 5 points (5-for-6 FT) in 20 minutes against BYU on Jan. 10. Scored 7 points (3-for-6 FG, 1-for-1 3PFG) and pulled down 5 rebounds in 15 minutes against Air Force on Jan. 15. He had a strong game off the bench with 8 points (3-for-9 FG, 2-for-3 FT) and 5 rebounds in 26 minutes against New Mexico on Jan. 17. Scored 4 points, 2 rebounds and 3 steals in 20 minutes against San Diego State on Jan. 22. He scored 4 points and pulled down 9 rebounds (7 defensive) in 23 minutes against Colorado State on Jan. 29. He had two key baskets in the final three minutes in UNLV's 78-75 victory over the Rams. Scored 5 points (2-for-5 FG, 1-for-2 FT) and had 2 rebounds and 2 steals in 16 minutes against Wyoming on Jan. 31. Averaged 10.0 points and 4.8 rebounds in four games as a starter (vs. Princeton, N.C., APSU, High Point).

MARK DICKEL: Has appeared in 18 games and is averaging 14.2 points and 8.9 assists, 160 total (47 turnovers), which leads the Mountain West Conference and ranks second in the nation. His 256 total points this season is a career-high. Shooting .515 (84-for-163) from the field, .430 (34-for-79) from 3-point range and .794 (54-for-68) from the line. All five stat categories (ppg, apg, FG%, 3PFG%, FT%) represent single season career highs. He was named the first-ever Mountain West Conference Player of the Week on Nov. 22. He recorded his first career triple-double in the season opener against Mississippi Valley State on Nov. 19. He scored 17 points (5-for-9 FG, 6-for-6 FT), recorded a career-high 10 rebounds and dished out 12 assists in 32 minutes. The triple-double was the first by a UNLV player since Stacey Augmon vs. Rutgers on Feb. 2, 1991 (27 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists). Scored 16 points (6-for-8 FG) and dished out a career-high 14 assists in 35 minutes (1 turnover) against UNR on Nov. 24. Scored 14 points, pulled down 6 rebounds and had 7 assists in 38 minutes against Georgetown on Nov. 28. Scored 9 points and had 7 assists in a season-high 40 minutes against Princeton on Dec. 3. Recorded his third double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 assists in 37 minutes against then-No. 2 North Carolina on Dec. 4. Scored 14 points (4-for-7 3PFG) and dished out 6 assists (1 turnover) in 32 minutes against Austin Peay State on Dec. 15. Scored 14 points (6-for-13 FG) and dished out 8 assists in 39 minutes against then-No. 14 Oklahoma State on Dec. 18. Scored 18 points (7-for-11 FG), 7 rebounds and dished out 10 assists (1 turnover) in 37 minutes against Cal Poly on Dec. 21. Recorded his fourth game of double digit points and assists. He had another solid game against Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 28. Scored 15 points (6-for-13 FG, 3-for-7 3PFG) and dished out 6 assists in 36 minutes. Scored a season low 2 points and had 6 assists in 33 minutes against then-No. 3 Cincinnati on Jan. 2. He scored 19 points and tied his career-high with 5 3-pointers (in a career-high 11 attempts) and 16 FG attempts and dished out 8 assists in 38 minutes against High Point on Jan. 4. Recorded his fifth double-double of the season with 17 points (4-for-7 FG, 3-for-6 3PFG, 6-for-6 FT), 10 assists and tied his career-high with 4 steals in 38 minutes against BYU on Jan. 10. Scored 6 points, 5 rebounds and dished out 11 assists in 34 minutes against Air Force on Jan. 15. Scored 16 points (6-for-9 FG, 3-for-3 PFG) with 6 rebounds and 9 assists in 39 minutes against New Mexico on Jan. 17. Recorded his sixth double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 assists (1 turnover) in 35 minutes against San Diego State on Jan. 22. Scored 15 points (3-for-6 FG, 2-for-4 3PFG, 7-for-10 FT, tied career-high for most FT attempted), 5 rebounds and dished out 8 assists in 38 minutes against Colorado State on Jan. 29. He scored a career-high 29 points and dished out 10 assists (seventh double-double) in 39 minutes against Wyoming on Jan. 31. Established a career-high with 9 field goals made and 16 attempted (tied career-high). He was also 3-for-7 from 3-point range and 8-for-8 from the line. He accounted for 49 of UNLV's 98 points against Wyoming. Team-leader with 651 minutes played (36.2 average). He has scored in double figures 28 times in his career and in 15 of 18 games this season. Recorded his 18th career game with 10 or more assists against Wyoming on Jan. 31. Averaging 9.7 assists over his last six games. Averaging 22.0 points and shooting .833 (15-for-18) from the line over his last two games. Has recorded 100 or more assists in all four seasons. Has appeared in 112 career games and has not missed a game in his career.

UNLV's ALL-TIME ASSIST LEADERS:
1 - 838, Greg Anthony (1988-91)
2 - 837, Danny Tarkanian (1981-84)
3 - 689, Mark Wade (1985-87)
4 - 656, Mark Dickel (1996 -
5 - 549, Dedan Thomas (1991-94)

THE NATION'S BEST:
1 - Doug Gottlieb, Oklahoma State (9.7, 174)
2 - Mark Dickel, UNLV (8.9, 160)
3 - Ed Cota, North Carolina (8.4, 169)

TREVOR DIGGS: The team's second-leading scorer with a 15.7 average and ranks seventh in the MWC. Shooting .294 (40-for-136) from 3-point range, .753 (58-for-77) from the line, averaging 3.7 assists and team leader with 36 steals. Scored 13 points in the season opener against Mississippi Valley State on Nov. 19. Scored 19 points, 13 in the second half against Fairfield on Nov. 21. He connected on a season-high 5 3-pointers (7 attempts) against the Stags in 25 minutes. Scored 20 points (8-for-16 FG), 13 in the second half, in 33 minutes against UNR on Nov. 24. Scored 27 points (6-for-24 FG, 12-for-15 FT), 24 in the second half, and had 5 steals in 37 minutes against Georgetown on Nov. 28. Scored 18 points (4-for-10 3PFG) and dished out 6 assists in 38 minutes against Princeton on Dec. 3. Scored 15 points (5-for-18 FG, 3-for-8 3PFG) in 32 minutes against then-No. 2 North Carolina on Dec. 4. Came off the bench and scored 11 points and dished out 7 assists in 29 minutes against Austin Peay State on Dec. 15. Scored 14 points (6-for-18 FG) and had 3 steals in a season-high 39 minutes against then-No. 14 Oklahoma State on Dec. 18. Recorded his first double-double with 12 points (6-for-14 FG) and a season-high 11 assists in 32 minutes against Cal Poly on Dec. 21. He scored 19 points (5-for-14 FG, 9-for-11 FT), including scoring the last 10 points of the game, and dished out 5 assists and had a season-high 8 steals in 33 minutes against Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 28. The 8 steals set a UNLV school record for most thefts in a single game. The previous record was 7, accomplished three times by Greg Anthony and once by Danny Tarkanian and Jeff Collins. He scored 18 points (6-for-20 FG, 3-for-11 3PFG), 14 in the first half, in 34 minutes against then-No. 3 Cincinnati on Jan. 2. Scored 5 points against High Point on Jan. 4. He dished out 7 assists against the Panthers. Had a strong performance against BYU on Jan. 10. Scored 20 points (5-for-12 FG, 4-for-7 3PFG, 6-for-6 FT) and had 4 steals in 38 minutes. He scored a career-high 28 points, 16 in the first half, (11-for-17 FG) and tied his season-high with 5 3-pointers made (in 8 attempts) in 32 minutes against Air Force on Jan. 15. Scored a season low 4 points and dished out 4 assists in 35 minutes against New Mexico on Jan. 17. He scored 17 points (5-for-14 FG, 2-for-8 3PFG, 5-for-6 FT) in 26 minutes against San Diego State on Jan. 22. Scored 15 points (5-for-15 FG, 2-for-7 3PFG) and dished out 7 assists in 35 minutes against Colorado State on Jan. 29. Scored 7 points (1-for-12 FG, 1-for-7 3PFG, 4-for-4 FT) in 25 minutes against Wyoming on Jan. 31. He has scored in double figures in 15 of 18 games and 20 or more points four times. Ranks second on the team with 580 minutes played (32.2 average).

SYLVESTER DOTSON: Appeared in 16 games and is averaging 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds. Shooting .592 (29-for-49) from the field. Scored 5 points and recorded 4 rebounds and 2 blocked shots and added 2 steals in 8 minutes against Fairfield on Nov. 21. Played 7 minutes and recorded 1 rebound against then-No. 2 North Carolina on Dec. 4. He sparked the team off the bench with 11 points in 5 minutes in the first half vs. Austin Peay State on Dec. 15. He recorded 2 blocked shots in 12 minutes. Scored 8 points (4-for-5 FG) and pulled down 6 rebounds in 15 minutes against Cal Poly on Dec. 21. He scored 4 points (2-for-2 FG) and pulled down 7 rebounds in 26 minutes in his first start against Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 28. He recorded a season-high 3 blocked shots against the Colonels. He scored 9 points (3-for-5 FG, 3-for-6 FT) and pulled down 8 rebounds in a season-high 29 minutes against then-No. 3 Cincinnati on Jan. 2. He scored 5 points and pulled down 7 rebounds in 17 minutes against BYU on Jan. 10. He scored 8 points (2-for-4 FG, 4-for-8 FT) and pulled down 4 rebounds in 13 minutes against Air Force on Jan. 15. He recorded 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 blocked shot in 6 minutes against New Mexico on Jan. 17. He scored 6 points and pulled down a season-high 11 rebounds (season-high 7 offensive) and had 2 blocked shots in 25 minutes against San Diego State on Jan. 22. He collected 4 rebounds in 8 minutes against Colorado State on Jan. 29. Scored 6 points (3-for-4 FG) and pulled down 6 rebounds in 13 minutes against Wyoming on Jan. 31. Ranks second on the team with 13 blocked shots.

KENNY DYE: Appeared in five games and is averaging 6.0 points and is shooting .417 (10-for-24) from the field. Scored 7 points in 14 minutes in the season opener against Mississippi Valley State on Nov. 19. Scored a season-high 15 points (6-for-10 FG) off the bench and dished out 4 assists in 19 minutes against Fairfield on Nov. 21. Scored 8 points in 13 minutes against UNR on Nov. 24. He played four minutes and injured his right shoulder (sprained) against Princeton on Dec. 3. He has not played in the last 13 games (vs. N.C., Austin Peay State, Oklahoma State, Cal Poly, Eastern Kentucky, Cincinnati, High Point, BYU, Air Force, New Mexico, San Diego State, Colorado State, Wyoming) and is a redshirt candidate.

ISSIAH EPPS: Appeared in 16 games and is averaging 2.1 points and 2.9 rebounds. Shooting .552 (16-for-29) from the field and is third on the team with 10 blocked shots. Scored 6 points and pulled down 5 rebounds and 2 blocked shots in 12 minutes against Mississippi Valley State in the season opener on Nov. 19. Pulled down 4 rebounds in 11 minutes against Fairfield on Nov. 21. Scored 4 points and pulled down 5 rebounds with 2 blocked shots in 11 minutes against UNR on Nov. 24. He pulled down 4 rebounds in 12 minutes against Georgetown on Nov. 28. Recorded 3 rebounds in 7 minutes against Princeton on Dec. 3. Scored 2 points, 2 rebounds and 1 block against then-No. 2 North Carolina on Dec. 4. He pulled down 3 rebounds in 7 minutes against Austin Peay State on Dec. 15. Scored 4 points and had 2 rebounds in 4 minutes against then-No. 14 Oklahoma State on Dec. 18. Scored 5 points and pulled down a season-high 7 rebounds in 8 minutes against Cal Poly on Dec. 21. Scored 2 points and 1 block in 9 minutes against then-No. 3 Cincinnati on Jan. 2. Scored 2 points and had 3 rebounds in 8 minutes against High Point on Jan. 4. Scored 2 points and had 2 rebounds in 4 minutes against San Diego State on Jan. 22. Scored 4 points (2-for-3 FG) and had 3 rebounds and 1 block in 9 minutes against Wyoming on Jan. 31. Has appeared in 69 career games and has 70 blocked shots.

DALRON JOHNSON: Appeared in 18 games and is averaging 9.8 points and 6.9 rebounds. Shooting .514 (72-for-140) from the field, .757 (28-for-37) from the line and team leader with 28 blocked shots (ranks third in the Mountain West Conference). Scored 4 points and 4 rebounds in his first collegiate start and game against Mississippi Valley State on Nov. 19. Scored 8 points (4-for-6 FG) in 19 minutes against Fairfield on Nov. 21. Scored 5 points and 5 rebounds in 15 minutes against UNR on Nov. 24. Scored 6 points and pulled down 8 rebounds (5 offensive) and 2 steals in 25 minutes against Georgetown on Nov. 28. Recorded his first collegiate double-double with 11 points (5-for-11 FG) and 11 rebounds in 34 minutes against Princeton on Dec. 3. Scored 9 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocked shots in 19 minutes against then-No. 2 North Carolina on Dec. 4. Scored 8 points and pulled down 8 rebounds with 3 blocked shots in 23 minutes against Austin Peay State on Dec. 15. Scored 13 points (6-for-9 FG) and pulled down 5 rebounds and 3 blocked shots in 23 minutes against then-No. 14 Oklahoma State on Dec. 18. He scored 19 points (8-for-11 FG) and 2 blocked shots in 24 minutes against Cal Poly on Dec. 21. Had 10 blocks over a four-game stretch (Dec. 4-21). He scored 4 points and had 4 rebounds in 16 minutes against Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 28. Scored 4 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocked shots in 17 minutes against then-No. 3 Cincinnati on Jan. 2. Scored 5 points and pulled down 6 rebounds in 16 minutes against High Point on Jan. 4. He scored 16 points (8-for-16 FG) and pulled down 7 rebounds with 2 blocked shots and 2 steals in 31 minutes against BYU on Jan. 10. He recorded his second double-double with career-highs in points (22, 8-for-13 FG, 6-for-6 FT) and rebounds (14 -- 7 offensive and 7 defensive) in 32 minutes against Air Force on Jan. 15. He collected a double-double in the first half with 12 points and 11 rebounds. He also recorded a career-high 5 blocked shots. He recorded his second straight double-double (third overall) with 12 points (4-for-10 FG, 4-for-6 FT) and 11 rebounds in 19 minutes against New Mexico on Jan. 17. Averaged 16.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.3 blocked shots over a three-game stretch (Jan. 10-17). Scored 6 points and had 6 rebounds in 13 minutes against San Diego State on Jan. 22. Recorded his fourth double-double with 10 points (3-for-9 FG, 4-for-4 FT) and 11 rebounds in a season-high 36 minutes against Colorado State on Jan. 29. Recorded a back-to-back double-double (for second time this season and fifth overall) with 14 points (6-for-15 FG, 2-for-8 3PFG) and 11 rebounds (8 defensive) and 2 blocked shots in 25 minutes against Wyoming on Jan. 31. Averaging 12.0 points and 11.0 rebounds over the last two games.

KASPARS KAMBALA: Appeared in 18 games and is the team's leading scorer with a 18.7 average (leads the Mountain West Conference in scoring and rebounding) and leading rebounder with a 8.9 average. Shooting .526 (123-for-234) from the field and .744 (90-for-121) from the line. Scored 21 points (8-for-10 FG) in 26 minutes in the season opener against Mississippi Valley State on Nov. 19. Pulled down 6 rebounds in each of the first two games against MVSU and Fairfield (Nov. 21). Recorded his 14th career double-double with 13 points (6-for-10 FG) and 12 rebounds in 26 minutes against UNR on Nov. 24. Established career highs with 3 assists and 3 steals against the Wolf Pack. Recorded his 15th career double-double with 15 points (6-for-10 FG) and 10 rebounds against Georgetown on Nov. 28. Recorded his third straight double-double with 29 points and 12 rebounds in 33 minutes against Princeton on Dec. 3. Established a career-high with 13 free throws in 14 attempts (tied his career high). Scored 20 points (7-for-18 FG) and pulled down 6 rebounds in 30 minutes against then-No. 2 North Carolina on Dec. 4. He was named to the All-Tournament team of the Food Lion MVP Classic. He was named Mountain West Player of the Week on Dec. 6. He recorded his career best third straight 20 point game against Austin Peay State on Dec. 15. He recorded his fourth double-double (17th career) over a five-game stretch with 23 points (7-for-16 FG, 9-for-11 FT) and 13 rebounds in 23 minutes. Scored 18 points (6-for-12 FG, 6-for-7 FT) and pulled down 8 rebounds in 35 minutes against then-No. 14 Oklahoma State on Dec. 18. He was named Mountain West Conference Player of the Week (Dec. 21). He became the first men's basketball player to receive conference player of the week honors twice. He scored 31 points (tied his career-high with 14 field goals and established a career-high with 23 field goals attempted) and pulled down 14 rebounds (11 defensive) in 33 minutes against Cal Poly. It was his 18th career double-double. He scored 27 points (9-for-13 FG, 9-for-12 FT) and pulled down 7 rebounds in 29 minutes against Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 28. It marked the fifth time over a six-game stretch that he scored 20 or more points. Averaged 24.7 points and 10.0 rebounds over a six-game stretch (Dec. 3-28).He scored 10 points (4-for-9 FG, 2-for-2 FT) in 23 minutes against then-No. 3 Cincinnati on Jan. 2. Scored 16 points (7-for-15 FG) and pulled down 9 rebounds in 27 minutes against High Point on Jan. 4. Scored a season-low 8 points and pulled down 8 rebounds in 21 minutes against BYU on Jan. 10. He recorded his 19th career double-double with 17 points (6-for-13 FG, 5-for-6 FT) and 10 rebounds in 27 minutes against Air Force on Jan. 15. He recorded his 20th career double-double (seventh this season) with a career-high 32 points (12-for-20 FG, 8-for-11 FT) and a career-high 18 rebounds (career-high 15 defensive) in a season-high 38 minutes against New Mexico on Jan. 17. Scored 13 points (3-for-9 FG, 7-for-11 FT) and had 9 rebounds in 28 minutes against San Diego State on Jan. 22. He was named MWC Player of the Week for the third time on Jan. 24. He is the only MWC player to capture the conference player of the week honor more than once this season. He scored 23 points (10-for-12 FG, 3-for-4 FT), 19 in the second half, and had 6 rebounds in 32 minutes against Colorado State on Jan. 29. Scored 11 points (4-for-11 FG, 3-for-3 FT) in 20 minutes against Wyoming on Jan. 31. Has scored 20 or more points (eight times this season) 16 times in his career, 30 or more points twice and has scored in double figures in 16 of 18 games and 51 of 72 career games. Has appeared in 72 career games and has scored 987 points (13.7 average). He is 13 points shy of becoming the 29th player in UNLV history to reach the 1,000-point plateau. The last player to reach 1,000 points was Tyrone Nesby in 1998.

LOU KELLY: He made his UNLV debut against Air Force on Jan. 15. He scored 4 points (1-for-9 FG, 2-for-4 FT) and pulled down 3 rebounds in 18 minutes. He played in 5 minutes against New Mexico on Jan. 17 and did not play in the second half due to an injured right foot. He fractured the fifth metatarsal and is out of action indefinitely.

CHRIS RICHARDSON: Appeared in 17 games and is averaging 5.3 points and 3.2 rebounds. Shooting .621 (36-for-58) from the field and .696 (16-for-23) from the line. Played his best all around game in his UNLV career against Mississippi Valley State in the season opener on Nov. 19. Scored a career-high 11 points (4-for-4 FG) and pulled down 6 rebounds. Established a career-high with 3 blocked shots and recorded 3 steals in 15 minutes. Scored 8 points (4-for-6 FG) in 17 minutes against Fairfield on Nov. 21. Tied his career-high with 11 points (5-for-7 FG) in 19 minutes against UNR on Nov. 24. He had another solid game against Georgetown on Nov. 28. Scored 10 points (3-for-6 FG, 4-for-4 FT) and tied his career-high with 7 rebounds in 16 minutes against the Hoyas. Recorded 4 rebounds and had 2 blocked shots in 17 minutes against then-No. 2 North Carolina on Dec. 4. Scored 4 (2-for-3 FG) points in 15 minutes against Austin Peay State on Dec. 15. He had a solid game off the bench against then-No. 14 Oklahoma State on Dec. 18. Scored 8 points (3-for-4 FG, 2-for-2 FT) and pulled down 6 rebounds in 18 minutes. He missed the Cal Poly game on Dec. 21 due to an illness in the family. He scored 3 points (1-for-1 3PFG) in 5 minutes against Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 28. He scored 6 points (3-for-6 FG) and collected 3 rebounds in 18 minutes against then-No. 3 Cincinnati on Jan. 2. Scored 6 points and pulled down 5 rebounds with 3 steals in a career-high 27 minutes against High Point on Jan. 4. He scored 5 points and had 4 rebounds in 17 minutes against New Mexico on Jan. 17. Scored 5 points, 2 rebounds and 2 blocked shots in 11 minutes against San Diego State on Jan. 22. He scored 7 points (3-for-5 FG, 1-for-1 3PFG) and pulled down 4 rebounds with 2 steals in 16 minutes against Wyoming on Jan. 31.

DONOVAN STEWART: Appeared in 18 games and is averaging 5.3 points and 2.1 rebounds. Shooting .500 (44-for-88) from the field. Scored 6 points and dished out 3 assists in 21 minutes against Mississippi Valley State in the season opener on Nov. 19. Scored 9 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 17 minutes against Fairfield on Nov. 21. Scored 2 points and had 2 steals in 8 minutes against Princeton on Dec. 3. Scored 4 points and 4 rebounds in 17 minutes against then-No. 2 North Carolina on Dec. 4. Scored 4 points in 20 minutes against Austin Peay State on Dec. 15. Scored 7 points (3-for-4 FG) in 15 minutes against Cal Poly on Dec. 21. Scored 6 points with 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in 16 minutes against Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 28. Had a key steal in the final minute to secure the victory over the Colonels. Scored 5 points and 3 rebounds in 16 minutes against High Point on Jan. 4. His 3-pointer at the buzzer gave UNLV a 28-25 halftime lead over the Panthers. He scored 4 points, pulle down a season-high 5 rebounds with 3 assists in 23 minutes against BYU on Jan. 10. Scored 4 points (2-for-4 FG) and 2 rebounds in 17 minutes against Air Force on Jan. 15. He scored 8 points (3-for-5 FG, 1-for-1 3PFG, 1-for-1 FT) and had 3 rebounds in 15 minutes against New Mexico on Jan. 17. He played his best game of the season against San Diego State on Jan. 22. He scored a season-high 17 points and tied his season-high with 5 rebounds in a season-high 28 minutes. Established career-highs in field goals made (8), attempted (14) and assists (5). He scored 10 points (5-for-8 FG) in 23 minutes against Colorado State on Jan. 29. He scored 10 points (5-for-9 FG) with 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 24 minutes against Wyoming on Jan. 31. Has scored in double figures in his last three games and averaging 12.3 points, shooting .581 (18-for-31) from the field in 75 minutes (25.0 average).

RUNNIN' REBEL BREAKDOWN: