Often criticized, Wood now widely praised

One game can dramatically change the perception of a team, and it can do the same for a player. It has been a week of change for UNLV and forward Chris Wood.

Almost written off, the Rebels are suddenly rejuvenated. Frequently criticized, Wood is now widely praised.

The one game, a stunning upset of No. 3 Arizona on Tuesday, was a big one and the best of Wood’s career. It could be a turning point for UNLV and its 6-foot-11-inch sophomore.

“Chris has the ability with his length and his skills to be dominant on both ends of the floor in the post,” coach Dave Rice said.

Four days after Wood changed the perception of his potential into reality, the Rebels (8-3) play host to Southern Utah (3-7) at 7 p.m. at the Thomas &Mack Center. Wood will be expected to dominate in a blowout win.

It might not be that easy.

UNLV, with a basketball team consisting mostly of freshmen and sophomores, is off by far its top performance of the season. Fans stormed the court, players celebrated and Christmas break followed.

The Rebels now find themselves in a letdown spot and a lookahead spot, with a game at Wyoming on Wednesday to open the Mountain West schedule.

When the team reunited for Friday’s practice, Rice could see a lack of focus in his players.

“As you can imagine, I had to raise my voice in practice,” he said.

Wood raised his level of play against the Wildcats’ tall and talented front line. He attacked the basket, shot 10-for-17 from the field and finished with a career-high 24 points in the 71-67 win. He also had 10 rebounds and two blocked shots.

At times, Wood’s inclination to float around the perimeter created a perception he was soft. He often shied away from physical contact in the low post. But he was a different player against Arizona.

It all finally clicked for Wood in the 11th game of his second college season. If he can perform that way with some consistency, UNLV can be a different team for the remainder of the season.

“Chris was definitely determined,” Rice said. “That was an important win. I think it gives our guys confidence that we’re absolutely moving in the right direction.”

Rice said he believes Wood, who is averaging 13.9 points and 9.6 rebounds, will be a more confident player going forward. He also will be a player who knows he can have success playing in the post, a message the coaches had been trying to send.

Freshman guards Rashad Vaughn (21 points) and Patrick McCaw (13 points, seven rebounds) also were important to the team’s success. Vaughn outplayed the Wildcats’ star freshman, Stanley Johnson. McCaw came off the bench to play 31 minutes and handle point guard duties while senior starter Cody Doolin was in foul trouble and ineffective.

“The job Patrick did handling the ball was key,” Rice said, “and Rashad did a very good job of breaking down the defense.”

The Rebels jumped up more than 40 spots in the Ratings Percentage Index to No. 37. The Thunderbirds went 2-27 last season, when they were one of the worst teams in the nation.

“Southern Utah is an improved team with a lot of shooters,” Rice said. “I’m concerned about their outside shooting. I’ve always said the 3-point shot is a great equalizer in college basketball.”

A.J. Hess, the Thunderbirds’ top scorer, is shooting 45 percent from 3-point range, and reserve guard James McGee is hitting 60 percent of his 3s

It’s also a team with four players from Las Vegas high schools — Trey Kennedy (Bishop Gorman), Travon Langston and Juwan Major (Las Vegas), and Sherron Wilson (Clark).

“To beat a quality opponent like Arizona sends a message,” Rice said. “But again, we’ve got a long way to go and a lot of things to shore up.”

■ NOTES — UNLV freshman forward Goodluck Okonoboh did not practice Friday because of a sore knee. “Goodluck is a question mark. There is a possibility he won’t play,” said Rice, adding that Dwayne Morgan could start instead of Okonoboh. ... The Rebels won last year’s meeting 73-51 in Cedar City.

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow him on Twitter: @mattyoumans247.