Feb. 7, 2005

By ADAM GOLDMAN
Associated Press Writer

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Bryant Markson scored 19 points and Utah overcame an off night by Andrew Bogut to beat UNLV 57-53 on Monday and extend its winning steak to 15 games.

The 15th-ranked Utes (20-3, 8-0) only led by one with less than a minute to play but closed the game by making four of six foul shots.

The Rebels (9-11, 2-6) mounted a spirited comeback late in the second half, going on an 11-2 run that was capped by Louis Amundson's dunk to cut the deficit to 52-48 with 4:07 left.

Michael Umeh then converted a three-point play off a turnover with 2:15 remaining to trim the margin to one, but Utah hung on from there.

The Utes used a run of their own to open a double-digit lead in the first eight minutes of the second half. The offensive outburst was highlighted by nine points from Markson, including a 3-pointer to give them a 45-34 lead.

Bogut was forced to pick his spots, finishing with 14 points, six below his average. The 7-foot sophomore from Australia was limited to five rebounds.

Odartey Blankson led UNLV with 18 points, and Amundson had 12.

UNLV found itself in a hole after going scoreless for almost four minutes late in the first half. UNLV had trouble going inside against the taller Utes.

But Utah couldn't take advantage of UNLV's poor shooting. Bogut scored only eight points and didn't pull down a rebound.

Blankson had 14 first-half points on 7-of-9 shooting. Jerel Blassingame added a trio of 3-pointers to help the Rebels stay with the Utes.