March 1, 2003

Box Score

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) - Marcus Banks had 31 points, including four in the final 30 seconds, as Nevada-Las Vegas dealt Colorado State its seventh straight loss on Saturday, 73-67.

Banks hit 13 of 20 shots for UNLV (18-8, 7-5 Mountain West), including an off-balance jumper and two free throws at the end. It was his sixth 30-point game of the year and gave him 1,023 career points.

J.K. Edwards added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Rebels, who have won three in a row.

Brian Greene led Colorado State (14-12, 3-8) with 21 points and nine rebounds. Matt Nelson had 15 points for the Rams, who last won Feb. 1 at San Diego State.

Colorado State erased a seven-point halftime deficit to tie the game at 45 on Derrick Stevens' 3-pointer. But Banks scored 10 of UNLV's next 20 points, including a layup off a steal, to put the Rebels ahead 65-57 with 3:20 left.

The Rams closed the gap to 65-64 on a 3-point play by Matt Williams with 1:37 left. Dalron Johnson gave UNLV some breathing room with two free throws before Banks took over.

Banks sank a 10-foot jumper under heavy pressure. Stevens hit another 3-pointer, and Banks sealed the win with two free throws.

Banks had a basket as the Rebels closed the first half with an 6-2 run to lead 34-27. He was 6-for-10 with 13 points in the first period while Colorado State hurt itself with 10 turnovers.