.png)
With plenty of conference standings implications on the line, the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels ran out of gas in a comeback effort on the road against the Nevada – Reno Wolf Pack.
Entering play with 10 wins in their last 11 outings, UNLV came up short against UNR, 75-65, Saturday, March 9 from the Lawlor Events Center. The outcome resulted in a season sweep for the Wolf Pack over the Rebels while preventing the latter from reaching 20 wins on the season.
A win would’ve propelled UNLV into the second spot in the Mountain West ahead of the conference tournament set to begin next week. However, the loss dropped the team into the fourth slot in the conference securing a quarterfinals matchup with San Diego State.
That matchup with the Aztecs will be the rubber game after both rivals split the two regular season meetings after the Rebels claimed the most recent contest. The third meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 14 from the Thomas & Mack Center at 2:30 p.m.
Fifth-year forward Keylan Boone fifth three-pointer of the night gave UNLV its first lead of the game on the heels of an 8-0 run for the visitors. Much like it had for the vast majority of the night, UNR answered the call and responded with an 11-2 run that turned into a 15-4 spurt ultimately.
Soon after the Rebels would find themselves down 12 points, matching its largest deficit from the first half.
Boone led all UNLV scorers with 24 points on 9-for-16 from the field including six made threes.
Freshman guard Dedan Thomas Jr. was the other 20-point scorer for the Rebels, posting 23 points on 7-of-17 shooting. The next closest leading scorer for the team had six points.
Keylan’s twin brother, Kalib, didn’t score his first points until early into the second half and would end the night with just two made field goals in just 14 minutes of action. In the first half, he suffered an ankle injury that limited his availability.
Fellow fifth-year senior Luis Rodriguez fouled out of the contest after recording just four minutes in 32 minutes on the floor.