UNLV opens play in the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu on Saturday against Hawaii. That’s the first of three games in four days for the Rebels.
UNLV Basketball
UNLV sophomore forward Mbacke Diong proved to be a strong defensive player last season. Now he’s showing his ability on the offensive end, with his scoring average having risen from 2.1 points per game to 8.5.
Three takeaways from UNLV’s 77-74 loss to Illinois on Saturday at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.
UNLV almost rallied all the way down from 14 points Saturday, but a late steal preserved Illinois’ 77-74 victory at State Farm Center. Joel Ntambwe led the Rebels with 18 points.
UNLV has been a good defensive and rebounding team. Now the Rebels hope both of them help them win at Illinois on Saturday in their first road game this season.
Guard Amauri Hardy originally committed to Oklahoma State, but found a new home in UNLV when coach Brad Underwood left for Illinois. The Rebels visit the Illini at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Cincinnati took the lead early and never lost it in defeating UNLV 65-61 on Saturday at the Thomas & Mack Center. Amauri Hardy led the Rebels with 22 points.
Valparaiso used a 21-2 run that began late in the first half to establish control and defeat UNLV 72-64 on Wednesday at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Rebels committed 25 turnovers.
UNLV coach Marvin Menzies offered some simple advice to Amauri Hardy about feeling the stress that comes with playing Division I basketball — just relax.
UNLV used a 24-2 run in the first half to take control and defeat Oakland 74-61 on Friday night at the Thomas Mack Center.
UNLV shot 41.2 percent and committed 24 turnovers in a 61-50 loss to Loyola Marymount on Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack Center.
UNLV has watched UNR use transfers to become a Mountain West power and rise in the national rankings, but Rebels coach Marvin Menzies hasn’t wavered from the plan of building a winner his way.
UNR has its eyes on a run to a national championship, but the Wolf Pack will have to get through the Mountain West first. They will have their share of challengers.
UNLV plays Montana State-Billings at 7 p.m. Friday in an exhibition basketball game at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Rebels have several questions that will need answers.
UNLV senior forward Shakur Juiston returns after averaging 14.6 points and 10.0 rebounds while shooting 63.9 percent last season. He was named second-team all-conference.