FORT COLLINS, Colo. (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV men's basketball team led for over 29 minutes of the game, but couldn't hold on at the end falling to Colorado State 78-75 at Moby Arena Friday night.
Four Runnin' Rebels (9-8, 2-3) scored in double figures, led by Keylan Boone's game-high-tying 21 points and game-high eight rebounds. Kalib Boone added 14 points, while Dedan Thomas Jr. scored 11 with a game-high eight assists, and Rob Whaley Jr. added 10 points.
Colorado State (15-3, 3-2) also had four players in double figures, led by Nique Clifford's 21 points and seven rebounds. Isaiah Stevens scored 18 points with seven assists and six rebounds, making four 3-pointers.
TURNING POINT: UNLV held a 68-63 lead with 4:51 to play, but an 11-2 run by CSU over the next 2:46 put the Runnin' Rebels behind by four, 74-70. UNLV cut it to two points but four CSU free throws from there put it out of reach.
BACK AND FORTH: The game had nine lead changes and five ties. The Runnin' Rebels led by as many as 10 points with 13 minutes to go, but an 8-0 CSU run put the Rams right back in it.
STAT OF THE GAME: After not committing a turnover in the first half, UNLV committed 11 over the game's final 20 minutes, which turned into 18 Colorado State points.
OTHER NOTES:
- Colorado State made 10 3-pointers on the night, while UNLV made five.
- UNLV out-rebounded CSU 31-25 for the night and led in bench scoring 18-7.
- The Boones combined to shoot 13 of 25 from the field (Keylan was 8 of 17, Kalib was 5 of 8).
- UNLV shot 56.0% from the field (14 of 25) in the second half, finishing the game at 50.9% (29 of 57). CSU shot 53.8% (14 of 26) in the first half and 49.1% (27 of 55) for the game.
- CSU recorded 10 steals, while UNLV had just two.
- UNLV led 39-32 at halftime.
- UNLV has made at least one 3-pointer in a NCAA-record 1,210 straight games.
NEXT FOR THE RUNNIN' REBELS: UNLV will return home to host Air Force on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center. It will be the annual Coaches vs. Cancer Suits & Sneakers Night.
TICKETS: UNLV men's basketball tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at UNLVtickets.com, by calling 702-739-3267 or by visiting the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office.
