March 16, 2002

LAS VEGAS - UNLV will continue its fifth postseason appearance in the last six seasons when it travels to South Carolina for a National Invitation Tournament second round game on Tuesday, March 19. The game will be played at Frank McGuire Arena (12,129) in Columbia, S.C., and begin at 6 p.m. PST. The game will be televised live to a national audience on ESPN with Ron Franklin and Jon Sundvold providing the commentary. The game may be heard live in Las Vegas on KBAD 920 AM (ESPN Radio) and worldwide on the internet at UNLVRebels.com with Ken Korach and Glen Gondrezick calling the action.

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NATIONAL INVITATION TOURNAMENT - SECOND ROUND

Tues., Mar. 19UNLV at South Carolina6 p.m. PST

Game at Frank McGuire Arena (12,129), Columbia, S.C., Game televised live on ESPN, Game may be heard live on KBAD 920 AM (ESPN Radio) in Las Vegas and worldwide on the internet at UNLVRebels.com

THE UNLV RUNNIN' REBELS

UNLV (21-10) is playing in its sixth NIT in program history and has now advanced to the second round four times. After falling in the Mountain West Conference Tournament's championship game to San Diego State 78-75 on Mar. 9, the Runnin' Rebels defeated Arizona State 96-91 in a first round NIT game on Mar. 12. UNLV, which finished third in the MWC, is 13-3 in its last 16 games and has won seven of its last eight. UNLV is 17-3 at the Thomas & Mack Center this season and had a 10-game home win streak snapped in the MWC Tournament championship game. The Runnin' Rebels are 4-6 on the road this season. 6-9 junior forward Dalron Johnson leads the team in scoring (17.5) and rebounding (7.0). 6-1 junior guard Marcus Banks is second in scoring (16.2) and leads the team in assists (3.1). 6-5 junior forward Lou Kelly is also averaging double figures in scoring (15.2). Last year, the squad finished with an overall record of 16-13 and placed fourth in the Mountain West Conference with a 7-7 mark. UNLV was unable to compete in the postseason last year because of NCAA sanctions.

THE SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS

South Carolina (19-14) won 74-67 at Virginia on Wednesday in a NIT first round game to advance to the second round. After defeating Ole Miss and Kentucky in the SEC Tournament, USC lost to Alabama 65-57 in the semifinals. The Gamecocks have won three of their last four games and have 10-6 home record this season. South Carolina finished tied for fifth in the SEC's Eastern Division this season with a 6-10 conference mark. The Gamecocks are led in scoring by 6-2 senior guard Jamel Bradley (13.0) and 5-11 senior guard Aaron Lucas (10.2). 6-10 junior center Tony Kitchings leads the team in rebounding (5.9), while Lucas is the team leader in assists (3.9). Head Coach Dave Odom is in his first year with the school and has a 16-year overall head coaching record of 297-188 (.612). South Carolina was 15-15 overall last year and lost in the NIT's first round at Connecticut to end its season.

SERIES HISTORY

South Carolina leads the all-time series with UNLV 3-1. The series started in 1972 with USC winning the first three games. UNLV won the last meeting 73-56 on Nov. 25, 1985 at the Thomas & Mack Center. The last meeting at South Carolina was on Mar. 7, 1982 with the Gamecocks winning 75-73.

ROARING 20'S

The Runnin' Rebels win over Utah on Mar. 8 gave them their 20th win on the season. UNLV, which now has 21 wins, has won 20 or more games in a season 28 times in the 44-year history of Runnin' Rebel basketball. The last time UNLV won 20 or more games in a season was in 1999-00 when the team was 23-8. The 21 wins are the most by a Charlie Spoonhour coached team since he won 22 (22-11) at Saint Lous in 1997-98. Spoonhour's best season win total is 28 with Southwest Missouri State in 1986-87.

UP NEXT

If UNLV beats South Carolina, it would face the winner of the Ball State at Louisiana State game at a site to be determined in the third round. The third-round dates are slated for Mar. 20, 21 or 22.

FIVE POSTSEASONS IN SIX YEARS

UNLV is playing in its first NIT appearance since 1999 when they lost at Nebraska, 68-55, in the first round. UNLV has made the postseason five of the past six seasons (two NCAA Tournament appearances in 1998 and 2000 and NIT appearances is 1997, 1999 and 2002).

FIRST POSTSEASON WIN SINCE 1997

UNLV's 96-91 first round NIT win over Arizona State on Mar. 12 was its first postseason win since 1997 when it won two NIT games before falling at Arkansas in the quarterfinals. UNLV lost in the first round of the 1998 NCAA Tournament, the 1999 NIT and the 2000 NCAA Tournament.

FOUR GAMES IN SIX DAYS

UNLV played its last four games in a six-day span. UNLV played three days in a row in the Mountain West Conference Tournament and then played the first round NIT game three days later. UNLV was 3-1 in those games.

SIX GAME WIN STREAK SNAPPED

UNLV had a six-game win streak heading into its Mar. 9 Mountain West Conference Tournament championship game loss. The team had win streaks of three in a row, two other times this season. The six-game streak was the longest of the year for the Runnin' Rebels. The last time UNLV had a win streak of longer than six games was last season, when it won seven straight.

10 GAME HOME WIN STREAK SNAPPED

UNLV had won 10 straight games at home before losing to San Diego State on Mar. 9. The Runnin' Rebels are 17-3 in the Thomas & Mack Center this season and have won 11 of their last 12 in the building.

NIT ROUND 2

The last time UNLV made it to the second round of the NIT was in 1997 when it hosted and beat Hawaii 89-80 in overtime. This is UNLV's fourth appearance in the NIT's second round. UNLV is 2-1 all-time in the second round of the NIT.

NIT HISTORY AT THE THOMAS & MACK

The Thomas & Mack Center has hosted four NIT games. UNLV is 3-1 in those games with wins in 2002 over Arizona State (96-91), in 1997 over Memphis (66-62) and Hawaii (89-80 in ot), and the loss coming against USC (90-74) in 1993.

SPOONHOUR IN THE NIT

UNLV head coach Charlie Spoonhour has now led four teams to the NIT, advancing furthest in 1985-86 with Southwest Missouri State making the quarterfinals.

CLOSE CALLS

UNLV has not played a game that was decided by more than nine points in its last 13 games. In fact, during the last 13 games that the Runnin' Rebels have played, they have gone into overtime four times and have had seven games decided by five points or less.

300TH GAME AT TMC

UNLV's game vs. New Mexico on Mar. 2 was its 300th game played at the Thomas & Mack Center. UNLV is now 259-45 (.852) all-time in the building.

MAR. 7 GAME SETS THOMAS & MACK CENTER RECORD

When UNLV defeated New Mexico 120-117 in double overtime on Mar. 7, it set a new Thomas & Mack Center scoring mark. The 237 combined points represented the highest-scoring game in TMC history between two college teams. It broke the record of 217 set on Jan. 9, 1991, when UNLV downed Utah State 124-93.

UNLV PLAYS HIGHEST-SCORING GAME SINCE 1985

UNLV's 120-117 win over New Mexico was the highest-scoring game that it has been a part of since Jan. 2, 1985, when UNLV downed Utah State on the road, 142-140 in three overtimes.

UNLV'S HIGHEST-SCORING HOME GAME SINCE 1977

The win against New Mexico was the highest-scoring home game that UNLV has been a part of since a 135-106 win over Texas-Pan American on Feb. 17, 1977 in Las Vegas.

UNLV SCORES MOST POINTS SINCE 1991

UNLV's 120 points scored vs. New Mexico is the most it has scored since a 122-75 win at Long Beach State on Feb. 18, 1991.

FEBRUARY SUCCESS

In the month of February, UNLV went 7-2. UNLV in the other months this season: March: 4-1, January: 3-3, December: 5-2, November: 2-2.

ALL-CONFERENCE

Three UNLV players earned all-conference honors this season. Dalron Johnson was named FirstTeam All-Mountain West Conference, Marcus Banks was Second Team All-Mountain West Conference and Lou Kelly was Honorable Mention All-Mountain West Conference. Banks was also selected as the conference's Defensive Player of the Year.

MORE AWARDS - SPOONHOUR EARNS COACH OF THE YEAR

UNLV Head Coach Charlie Spoonhour was named the 2002 United States Basketball Writers Association's District 8 Coach of the Year and Dalron Johnson was named to the All-District 8 team.

ALL-TOURNAMENT

Dalron Johnson and Lou Kelly were both selected to the Mountain West Conference All-Tournament team. Other all-tournament team members: San Diego State's Al Faux and Randy Holcomb, and Wyoming's Marcus Bailey. Holcomb was named tournament MVP.

RICHARDSON TO DUNK

Chris Richardson has been invited to participate in ESPN's 14th Annual College Slam Dunk and Three-Point Championship. This year's competition will be in Atlanta at the Georgia State University Sports Arena. It will take place on Thursday, March 28 and will be aired on ESPN on Saturday, March 30. A total of 24 college players (including Richardson) will compete.

IN OVERTIME

UNLV is 39-18 (.684) all-time in overtime games and is 4-1 in overtime this season (80-79 win at San Diego State on Jan. 26, 84-81 loss at New Mexico on Feb. 5, 96-91 win at Colorado State on Feb. 18, 83-76 win at home vs. San Diego State on Feb. 23 and 120-117 double overtime win vs. New Mexico on Mar. 7). UNLV has played in five overtime games this season, which it has never done before. The only time UNLV played in four overtimes was during the 1994-95 season. Last season, UNLV was 1-2 in overtime games. UNLV is 31-15 in single overtime games, 6-3 in double overtime and 2-0 in triple overtime. The Runnin' Rebels have a record of 8-3 in overtime games at the Thomas & Mack Center. UNLV has won its last three overtime games.

BANKS MAKES SINGLE-GAME SCORING LIST

Marcus Banks scored a career-high 36 points (34 of them in the second half) against San Diego State on Feb. 23. His 36 points puts him in a tie for the 36th most productive scoring night in UNLV men's basketball history. Additionally, only 16 Runnin' Rebel players have ever scored more than 36 points in a game. Banks' 36 points is the fourth-best individual point total in a game ever by a MWC player and is the highest individual point output in a game by a MWC player this season.

KELLY ALSO MAKES LIST

Lou Kelly scored a career-high 35 points against New Mexico on Thursday. His 35 points puts him in a tie for the 43rd most productive scoring night in UNLV men's basketball history. Kelly's 35 points set the record for most points by an individual in a game in MWC Tournament history.

JOHNSON SCORES 1,000TH CAREER POINT

Dalron Johnson scored his 1,000th career point at New Mexico on Feb. 5. With that, he became the 30th player in Runnin' Rebel history to score at least 1,000 career points. Johnson currently has 1,215 career points, which puts him at No. 18 on the all-time UNLV scoring chart. Jackie Robinson is No. 17 with 1,258, Lewis Brown is No. 16 with 1,289 and Greg Anthony is No. 15 with 1,301.

NO. 1 ALL-TIME

With 151 blocked shots for his career, Dalron Johnson is the UNLV all-time career blocked shot leader. Johnson passed Elmore Spencer for the No. 1 spot on Mar. 9, a spot which Spencer held since 1992 with 146 blocked shots. Johnson also has passed Stacey Augmon, Keon Clark, Richie Adams and George Ackles on the UNLV career blocked shot list this season.

BREAKING IN TO THE TOP 10?

Several Runnin' Rebels are relatively close to breaking into all-time UNLV top 10 lists. Marcus Banks has 65 steals on the year, so he needs five more to be listed on the single-season steal list. Dalron Johnson has 50 blocked shots this year, so he needs four more to be listed on the single-season blocked shot list. Johnson also has 634 career rebounds, so he needs 21 more to be listed on the all-time career rebound list. Lou Kelly has made 54 3-pointers this year, so he needs to make nine more to be listed on the single-season 3-pointers made list.

TOUGH STRETCH

UNLV played five games over a span of 10 days from Feb. 9 to Feb. 18. The Runnin' Rebels went 4-1 over that period.

DOUBLE-FIGURE SCORING STREAK

With only nine points vs. San Diego State on Feb. 23, Dalron Johnson's streak of scoring 10 or more points in a game ended at 19 straight. For the season, Johnson has scored in double figures in 29 of 31 games.

JEVON BANKS - ASSISTS TO TURNOVERS

Overall for the season, Jevon Banks has 63 assists to only 20 turnovers. But even more impressive is in conference games only, Banks had 31 assists to only 5 turnovers. That is a ratio of 6.2 to 1.

SHORT SHOT BLOCKER

Through games of Feb. 17, Lou Kelly was tied for 10th in the nation in blocked shots per game for players 6-foot-5 or shorter. Kelly was averaging 0.91 blocks per game. Short shot blocker stat provided by STATS, Inc.

500TH 3-POINT GAME

UNLV's win on Feb. 23 vs. San Diego State marked the 500th game that UNLV has played in since the NCAA adopted the 3-point goal in 1986-87. UNLV holds the NCAA record for most consecutive games with a made 3-pointer at 506.

SIX PLAYERS SCORE 10 OR MORE

UNLV has had six players score in double figures in the same game twice this season. Six players scored 10 or more points vs. DePaul on Feb. 3 and vs. New Mexico on Mar. 7. UNLV has had three other games in which it has had five players score in double figures. Five Runnin' Rebels scored 10 or more points vs. UNR, at San Diego State and vs. Florida International. UNLV has had four players score 10 or more points in the same game eight other times this year. So UNLV has had four players score 10 or more points in the same game a total of 13 times this season.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

UNLV is 17-3 at home this year...is 13-1 when heading into the locker room ahead at halftime....is 13-1 when shooting a higher field goal percentage in a game than its opponent...is 12-1 when taking less shots in a game than its opponent...is 11-0 when shooting 50 percent or better from the field in a game...is 11-3 when shooting a higher 3-point percentage than its opponent...is 11-2 when taking less 3-point shots in a game than opponent...is 17-4 when going to the free throw line more in a game than its opponent...is 11-0 when outrebounding its opponent in a game...is 15-2 when recording more assists in a game than its opponent...is 18-4 when committing less fouls in a game than its opponent...is 7-0 when scoring 90 or more points in a game...is 12-1 when scoring 80 or more points in a game and 20-4 when scoring 70 or more...is 8-2 when limiting its opponent to less than 70 points in a game...is 11-3 in games decided by 4-9 points.

BLOCKED SHOT STREAKS

Dalron Johnson has had two separate streaks of 10 and eight games in which he blocked at least one shot in a game this season. He has blocked at least one shot in 28 of his last 34 games. Johnson is No. 1 on UNLV's all-time blocked shot list. Last year he blocked at least one shot in 22 of his 27 games and during his freshman year he blocked at least one shot in 21 of 31 games, so for his career he has blocked a shot in 68 of 89 games. That is 76.4 percent of the games.

20 POINT CLUB

Three Runnin' Rebels have scored 20 or more points in a game this season a combined 31 times. Marcus Banks and Dalron Johnson have both had 11 20-plus point nights, while Lou Kelly has had nine. Marcus Banks and Lou Kelly are the only Runnin' Rebels to have scored 30 or more points in a game this season as Banks scored 36 vs. San Diego State and 31 vs. Old Dominion, while Kelly scored 35 vs. New Mexico on Mar. 7.

STEALING THE BALL

UNLV has recorded 116 more steals this year than its opponents. UNLV has recorded 304 steals to its opponents' 188. That is a 9.81 to 6.07 per game average. Prior to the NIT, UNLV led the Mountain West Conference in steals and had recorded almost two full steals more per game than Air Force, which was second with 8.14 per game. Five UNLV players were ranked in the top 13 in steals in the Mountain West Conference.

SHOOTING 50 PERCENT - 11-0

When UNLV shoots 50 percent or better from the field, it wins. The Runnin' Rebels are 11-0 in games in which they shoot over 50 percent. UNLV shot 56.4 percent vs. Wisconsin, 60.3 percent vs. Nicholls State, 52.4 percent vs. Nevada, Reno, 58.2 percent vs. Tennessee State, 52.5 percent at Air Force, 54.2 percent vs. Colorado State, 57.4 percent vs. DePaul, 54.4 percent vs. New Mexico, 54.8 percent vs. New Mexico in the first round of the MWC Tournament, 55.8 percent against Utah in the MWC Tourney semifinals and 53.3 percent vs. Arizona State in the first round of the NIT. As a team after 31 games, UNLV is shooting 46.4 percent from the field.

BANKS WAS ON A ROLL

During a four game stretch from Dec. 20 through Dec. 30, Marcus Banks averaged 27.0 ppg, shot 58.3 (35-of-60) percent from the field and 60 (6-of-10) percent from 3-point range. In each of those four games, he set a new career-high in scoring (22, 26, 29, 31).

100 POINTS

For the fourth consecutive season, UNLV has scored 100 or more points in a game. UNLV scored 101 vs. Tennessee State on Dec. 28 and 120 vs. New Mexico on Mar. 7. Last year, the Runnin' Rebels scored 100 or more points in a game three times.

RUNNIN' REBELS IN THE MOUNTAIN WEST STATS

Prior to the NIT, UNLV led the MWC in three team statistical categories. UNLV was No. 1 in scoring with 78.1 ppg, steals with 9.97 per game and turnover margin at +3.67 (UNLV's opponents turned the ball over an average of 3.67 more times per game than the Rebels). Also, the Runnin' Rebels were second in assists with 14.87 per game, second in assist/turnover ratio at 1.05 and third in free throw percentage at .711. Individually, Dalron Johnson was in the top five in the following categories: blocks (1st with 1.53 per game), scoring (2nd with 17.2 ppg), steals (3rd with 1.67 per game), free throw percentage (3rd with .853), and offensive rebounds (3rd with 2.57 per game). Other Rebels in the top five were Marcus Banks (1st in steals with 2.17 per game) and Chris Richardson (2nd in field goal percentage with .563).

UNLV IS 47-8 IN LAST 55 GAMES AT THE MACK'

The Runnin' Rebels are in their 19th season in the 18,500-seat Thomas & Mack Center. UNLV has posted an all-time record of 259-45 (.852) in the arena since it opened in 1983. This year, the Runnin' Rebels are 17-3 at home. They were 12-3 at home in 2000-01 and were 18-2 during the 1999-00 season, so UNLV has won 47 of its last 55 games at home. UNLV has been edged at home by four points or less 18 times and the 45 losses have been by an average of 7.8 points (352 total points).

SPOONHOUR WINS IN 500TH GAME

UNLV Head Coach Charlie Spoonhour coached his 500th game as a Division I head coach vs. Tennessee State on Dec. 28. The win gave Spoonhour his 325th career win. Spoonhour is in his 17th season as a Division I head coach and has a career record of 340-181 (.653).

EVERYONE SCORES THIS YEAR

Every Runnin' Rebel that has suited up for a game this season has scored at least three points.

LAST TIME OUT (MAR. 12 VS. ARIZONA STATE - LAS VEGAS - NIT FIRST ROUND)

Dalron Johnson scored 26 points to lead UNLV to a 96-91 victory over Arizona State in a first-round game of the National Invitation Tournament on March 12 at the Thomas & Mack Center. Marcus Banks added 23 points, and Lou Kelly scored 19 for the Rebels (21-10). Awvee Storey led Arizona State (14-15) with 29 points. Curtis Millage added 21 points and Jason Braxton 17. Chad Prewitt finished with 16 rebounds. UNLV shot 13-for-14 from the line in the last 2 minutes to hold off a comeback bid by the Sun Devils, who rallied from a 14-point deficit in the second half. Arizona State closed within 83-81 with 1:25 remaining. Johnson scored and, after Prewitt misfired on a 3-point attempt, made a pair of free throws to give the Rebels an 87-81 lead with 1:05 remaining. Millage made a layup, cutting Arizona State's deficit to 87-83. Johnson made two free throws with 30.6 seconds left to restore a six-point lead. Arizona State got no closer than three points the rest of the way. UNLV shot 53 percent (32-of-60) from the field and 82.8 percent (24-of-29) from the line. Arizona State shot 34-for-76 from the field (44.7 percent) and 2-for-12 from 3-point range.

STREAKING FROM THE STRIPE

When Marcus Banks missed his fifth free throw attempt of the game vs. Wyoming on Jan. 5, his streak of 22 consecutive made free throws came to an end. He was 9-of-10 from the line vs. Tennessee State, 11-of-11 vs. Old Dominion and 5-of-9 vs. Wyoming. Also, Dalron Johnson had a streak of 14 consecutive made free throws early in year.

FIRST CAREER DOUBLE-DOUBLE

Senior Chris Richardson recorded his first career double-double vs. Nevada, Reno with 13 points and a career-high 12 rebounds.

MORE DOUBLE-DOUBLES

Junior Dalron Johnson has recorded his 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th double-doubles of his career this year. He had 23 points and 10 rebounds at LMU, 19 points and 10 rebounds vs. Tennessee State, 19 points and 14 rebounds vs. Old Dominion, 25 points and 11 rebounds at New Mexico and 21 points and 11 rebounds vs. Utah.

NICE FIRST HALF

It would be difficult to imagine Dalron Johnson having a better first half than he did against Nicholls State. Johnson was 8-of-9 from the field, 3-of-3 from 3-point range, had 19 points, 3 rebounds and an assist, a block and a turnover in 13 minutes of action. He ended up scoring a career-high 29 points for the game on 13-of-16 shooting including 3-of-5 from 3-point range. He also tallied 5 rebounds in a total of 19 minutes.

MARGIN OF VICTORY

UNLV's 43-point victory over Nicholls State was its largest margin of victory since defeating Sacred Heart by 47, 103-56, on Nov. 14, 1998.

MWC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

This season, Dalron Johnson and Marcus Banks have been named the Mountain West Conference's Men's Basketball Player of the Week twice. Johnson was named POW on Dec. 17 and Feb. 18, while Banks was honored on Dec. 31 and Feb. 25.

UNLV WINS VS. MOUNTAIN WEST

The Runnin' Rebels have a .500-or-better record all-time against the other seven members of the conference. Air Force (14-1), BYU (7-6), Colorado State (15-5), New Mexico (13-9), San Diego State (23-6), Utah (12-10), Wyoming (13-10).

UNLV BOASTS BEST HOME RECORD IN MWC

Out of the eight Mountain West schools, UNLV has the best all-time winning percentage on its home court. UNLV is 259-45 (.852) at the Thomas & Mack Center. Utah is second at .824 (412-88).

HOLDEN LEAVES PROGRAM

Jamal Holden was granted a release from the UNLV men's basketball program on Dec. 18. Holden, a 6-10 center, who transferred to UNLV from Westark (Ark.) College prior to this season, had played in five games, averaging 8.0 minutes per game. He also averaged 2.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

LEWIS WILL NOT PLAY THIS YEAR

Jermaine Lewis will sit out the remainder of the 2001-02 season and complete rehabilitation to return at full strength for the 2002-03 year. Lewis, a 6-4 guard from Houston, Texas, had surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in May. "We want to protect the integrity of the surgery," head coach Charlie Spoonhour said on January 9. "We want to give Jermaine the best chance to compete at 100 percent of his capabilities. He is progressing on a normal schedule for the surgery, which has a six-to-nine month complete healing period. To have him come back now would be premature." This season will count as Lewis' redshirt year and he will return to play for the 2002-03 season for his final year of eligibility.

RUNNIN' THE REBELS - CHARLIE SPOONHOUR

Charlie Spoonhour became the 12th head coach in Runnin' Rebel history on March 29, 2001, and is in his first year coaching UNLV. He came to UNLV after spending two years out of coaching, but he didn't stray too far away from the game as he served in the media as an analyst on college basketball broadcasts. Prior to that he was the head coach at Saint Louis University for seven years. Before SLU, Spoonhour was head coach at Southwest Missouri State University for nine seasons. He has a 17-year Division I head coaching record of 340-181 (.653) and has led 12 teams to the postseason, including eight to the NCAA Tournament.

THE REST OF THE STAFF

UNLV also has three new assistant coaches. They are Deane Martin, Jay Spoonhour and Derek Thomas. UNLV has retained Dave Rice, who will serve this season as Director of Basketball Operations. Rice is in his ninth year on staff. Martin was most recently the associate head coach at Tennessee-Martin. Spoonhour (Charlie's son) was most recently head coach at Wabash Valley JC in Mt. Carmel, Ill., where he led the team to the junior college national championship with a record of 36-1 and was named the National Junior College Coach of the Year. Thomas was most recently with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks.

EARLY SIGNINGS

J.K. Edwards and James Peters have both signed a national letter of intent to enroll at UNLV and play basketball for the Runnin' Rebels beginning with the 2002-03 season. Both players will enroll at UNLV as juniors. Edwards, a 6-foot-8, 250-pound center from Indian Hills (Iowa) Community College, averaged 12.8 points and 6.4 rebounds last season. He was selected as a first team All-America last year and played in the Tournament of the Americas in Argentina this past August (on the same team as current Runnin' Rebel Marcus Banks). Edwards chose UNLV over Wisconsin, Tennessee and Iowa State. Peters, a 6-8, 215-pound forward from Butler County (Kan.) Community College, averaged 14.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and shot 59 percent from the floor last season. The second-team All-Jayhawk Conference selection chose UNLV over Illinois, Michigan State and DePaul.

44 YEARS OF BASKETBALL

The 2001-02 year marks the 44th season of Runnin' Rebel basketball at UNLV. Since the program's inception in 1958-59, the Runnin' Rebels have posted an all-time record of 933-361 (.721). In 1969-70, UNLV made the move to Division I and has since posted a record of 746-257 (.744) while competing at that level. In addition, UNLV has an all-time mark of 898-338 (.727) against Division I competition.

"THREE-POINT GOAL ..."

Since the 3-point field goal was adopted by the NCAA in 1986-87, UNLV has converted at least one 3-pointer in all 506 games played. During that span, the Runnin' Rebels have made 3,302-of-9,142 (.361) shots from behind the arc. 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 the 64 games (the 3-pointer was used in some non-conference games). The Runnin' Rebels sank 194-of-505 (.384) 3-point attempts during that time. The UNLV streak for games in which it sank at least one 3-point shot stands at 523. The last time the Runnin' Rebels failed to make at least one 3-pointer came against Long Beach State on Jan. 25, 1986. So, UNLV has sunk at least one shot from behind the arch in 559 of the 570 games in which the rule was used. In the 570 total games, the Runnin' Rebels have shot .363 from this distance while sinking 3,497-of-9,647 attempts. UNLV holds the NCAA record for most consecutive games scoring a 3-point field goal. Prior to the beginning of the 2001-02 season, Vanderbilt was No. 2 on the list, three behind UNLV.

NOTEWORTHY NOEL

For the first time, the UNLV men's basketball team has one of its players writing a weekly diary for UNLV's website UNLVRebels.com. Noel Bloom writes an entry each week and it is posted at http://unlvrebels.fansonly.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/noel-diary-index.html. Just go to the men's basketball page at UNLVRebels.com and click on the Noteworthy Noel graphic on the right-hand side of the page. This feature on the web gives fans a look inside the team from a different perspective. Previous entries are archived for later viewing.

RUNNIN' REBELS ON THE AIR

All Runnin' Rebel games are carried live on KBAD 920 AM (ESPN Radio) in Las Vegas and on the internet at UNLVRebels.com. Ken Korach and Glen Gondrezick are in their 10th season calling Runnin' Rebel basketball. Broadcasts start one-half hour prior to the beginning of each game with the pregame show and the postgame show features a live interview with head coach Charlie Spoonhour followed by fan call-ins. The broadcasts are also available inside the Thomas & Mack Center by tuning to 99.5 FM. The fan call-in number is (702) 876-8585.

REBELS ON TV

UNLV will appear on television at least 22 times this season. The Runnin' Rebels have been on or are scheduled to appear on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+plus, ABC, SportsWest and ESPN Regional at UNLV.

MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT

The 2002 Mountain West Conference Basketball Championship was played at the Thomas & Mack Center. It marked the third year that the MWC Tournament has been held at the Thomas & Mack Center and the sixth straight year a conference tournament has been played at the TMC (The WAC held its championship at the TMC from 1997-99).