Dec 29, 2002

Box Score

LAS VEGAS (AP) - UNLV's Marcus Banks scored a team-high of 20 points as the Runnin' Rebels held off a late surge by SMU, 79-78, at the Jim Thorpe Classic Sunday.

Banks made three foul shots in the final 41 seconds.

Also for UNLV (8-2), Demetrius Hunter added 15 points, as the Rebels shot 28-of-49 from the field, including 10-of-19 from 3-point range. It was moved back nine inches for the Classic.

For SMU (4-5), guard Bryan Hopkins led with 24 points. He made his last 3-pointer with :00.7 left.

Teammate Quintin Ross scored 16 points with eight rebounds. Justin Isham added 13 points. The Mustangs shot 25-of-48 from the field and were 12-of-23 from 3-point range.

After its 43-41 halftime lead, UNLV charged into the second half with an 11-0 run, but the Mustangs slowly cut the advantage to 76-75 with 2:59 left.

UNLV was out-rebounded 33-25 in the game but had 21 assists to the Mustangs' eight. In the first 3:07 of the game, the Rebels jumped to a 12-3 lead, their biggest of the half. The Mustangs responded, taking a brief 25-24 lead. It was their only one of the game.