LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV men's basketball team (10-9, 5-3) lost 82-71 to San Diego State on Saturday afternoon at the Thomas & Mack Center.
The Runnin' Rebels saw their three-game overall win streak as well as their five-game home win streak come to an end.
San Diego State (14-5, 8-1) was led by Miles Byrd's 23 points, five assists, and four steals. He shot 7 of 8 from the field, including 5 of 5 on 3-pointers, and made all four of his free throw attempts.
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn led UNLV (10-9, 5-3) with a game-high 27 points, while
Kimani Hamilton added 12 and
Tyrin Jones contributed 10.
Emmanuel Stephen collected a game-high-tying seven rebounds.
STATS OF THE GAME: San Diego State made 8 of 13 3-pointers (61.5%) and connected on 22 of 26 free throws (84.6%). In addition, the Aztecs' bench outscored UNLV's 29-11.
QUOTABLE: "Credit to San Diego State, that's a good basketball team. They hit big shots late in the shot clock and at key times. Byrd was outstanding. This game was for first place, and when you are trying to play for first place, you can't leave points on the board as we did. We had many and-one opportunities where we got fouled and missed the layup, then ended up missing free throws. You can't have that many empty possessions." - UNLV head coach Josh Pastner
OTHER NOTES:
- UNLV entered the contest having won three of the previous four meetings against San Diego State.
- Reese Dixon-Waters led SDSU in rebounding with seven. He added 13 points, while Taj DeGourville also scored 13 for the Aztecs.
- San Diego State 56.5% from the field (26 of 46), while UNLV shot 51.5% (26 of 51).
- UNLV shot 54.5% from the free throw line (12 of 22).
- Gibbs-Lawhorn made 11 of 21 shots, but only connected on 1 of 7 3-pointers.
- Jones was 4 of 5 shooting, but made just 2 of 10 free throws. He also recorded three steals.
- The game had five lead changes and five ties, with UNLV holding its largest lead of the contest with 9:40 to go in the first half (six points).
- San Diego State held a 39-34 halftime lead.
- UNLV has made at least one 3-pointer in a NCAA-record 1,279 straight games.
NEXT FOR THE RUNNIN' REBELS: UNLV will remain at home to host New Mexico on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 8 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center.
TICKETS: Tickets may be purchased at UNLVtickets.com, by calling 702-739-FANS (3267), or in person at the TMC Box Office.
