Jan 7, 2004

Final Stats

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Romel Beck had a career-high and game-high 26 points Wednesday and Odartey Blankson added 18 as UNLV topped Division-III Occidental 78-63. The game was UNLV's final tune-up before opening Mountain West Conference play Monday against Utah. The Rebels (9-3) never trailed and had a 50-43 lead with 9:36 to play when Beck and Blankson combined for nine straight points to put the Rebels permanently ahead.

The Runnin' Rebels turned the ball over 15 times and only connected on 3-of-21 3-pointers. Blankson added a game-high 10 rebounds for UNLV, while J.K. Edwards was the only other Rebel in double figures with 12 points. This was the second time the Tigers played a Division-I opponent this season, losing to Cal-State Fullerton 83-63 Dec. 20.

Dan Murphy led the way for Occidental (6-3) with 20 points and Zach Phillips added 11.