LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV men's basketball team won its seventh game in its last eight outings with a 66-60 victory over No. 22 Colorado State Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack Center.
It also marked the first time since the 2012-13 season that the Runnin' Rebels (16-10, 9-5) have defeated three ranked teams in the same campaign. The other two earlier this season were against then-No. 8 Creighton and at then-No. 25 New Mexico.
Dedan Thomas Jr. scored 18 of his game-high 23 points in the second half vs. the Rams, also recording a team-high-tying six rebounds and making all 12 of his free throw attempts. Luis Rodriguez added 14 points with six rebounds as he was also perfect from the free throw line, making all eight of his tries including 6 of 6 in the game's last minute. Keylan Boone also scored in double figures with 11 points.
Colorado State (20-8, 8-7) was led by Isaiah Stevens' 18 points and six assists. Joel Scott added 13 points and a game-high-tying seven rebounds, while Nique Clifford had 10 points, five assists and three steals.
STAT OF THE GAME: UNLV made 95.7% of its free throws (22 of 23) in the second half, including each of its final 12 attempts of the game (in the final 3:46).
QUOTABLE: "Couldn't be more proud of the guys. It was just a great game, they had a great fight and continue to surprise me in a good way. They continue to figure things out, continue to work and to be ready. I'm just really happy for them because they deserve it. They work hard every day and it's nice to be on the other side of one like tonight. It could have easily gone the other way." - UNLV head coach
Kevin Kruger.
OTHER NOTES:
- UNLV was plus-14 at the free throw line, attempting 13 more than CSU.
- UNLV out-rebounded CSU 37-28.
- CSU led by as many as 10 points early in the first half.
- The game featured 10 lead changes and nine ties.
- CSU led 26-24 at halftime.
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Rob Whaley Jr. left the game with an injury early in the second half and did not return.
- UNLV shot 50% in the second half (8 of 16), including 57.1% on 3-pointers (4 of 7).
- CSU ended up with a higher shooting percentage for the game than UNLV (38.9% to 37.8%).
- UNLV continues to be without
Jalen Hill, who is out of the rest of the season (ACL).
- UNLV has made at least one 3-pointer in a NCAA-record 1,219 straight games.
NEXT FOR THE RUNNIN' REBELS: UNLV will head back out on the road for a game at Wyoming on Tuesday, Feb. 27. The 7 p.m. MT/6 p.m. PT game will be televised nationally by CBS Sports Network.
TICKETS: UNLV men's basketball tickets may be purchased at
UNLVtickets.com, by calling 702-739-3267 or by visiting the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office.
