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Junior guard Bryce Hamilton missed a potential game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds of UNLV’s loss to Colorado State on Saturday, Jan. 9, in a game that featured 18 lead changes and 12 ties, including 10 in the second half.
The Runnin’ Rebels fell, 83-80, on the road against the Rams to fall to 1-6 on the season and 0-2 in the Mountain West.
It was the first time UNLV was swept by Colorado State since the 2016 season.
Prior to the start of the game, it was announced that the Rebels had added two new opponents to their schedule: the St. Katherine Firebirds and the Benedictine Mesa Eagles.
The game against St. Katherine is next for UNLV Tuesday, Jan. 12 with tip-off set for 2 p.m.
Following that contest, the Rebels will return to Mountain West action hosting back-to-back games against the New Mexico Lobos.
Hamilton set a new season-high along with fellow junior guard David Jenkins Jr.
The former scored 28 points on 10-of-26 shooting from the field to go along with three assists, three rebounds and a steal.
It was the 26th straight game where Hamilton scored in double figures however he went nearly 12 minutes without a point in the second half against Colorado State.
With 41 seconds left, Hamilton had a three-point attempt blocked and was called for the shot clock violation. He went 3-of-7 from beyond the arc.
Jenkins scored 29 points on 13-of-19 from the field, making great use of his mid-range jumpshot.
He also went 2-of-6 from three-point range.
Hamilton and Jenkins were the only two players in double-figures.
Junior guard Marvin Coleman is still out due to medical reasons.
Colorado State made great use of it’s three-point arsenal going 16-of-29 from deep and holding UNLV to 6-of-22.
Overall, both teams shot well from the field with the Rams taking the slight edge 54 percent to 51 percent.
Dominance on the glass and in the paint kept the Rebels in the game, giving them a chance late.
UNLV won the rebounding battle 34-24, including 12-5 on the offensive glass.
However, the Rebels only ended the night +2 in second chance points (11-9).
Senior forward Cheikh Mbacke Diong scored nine points and pulled in 15 rebounds, five on the offensive side.
He helped UNLV gain a 34-26 points in the paint advantage over Colorado State.