The Tarheels big men were too much for the Rebels to handle in their second game of the season
UNLV Basketball
The Rebels had a poor performance in their opener and now face North Carolina, one of the top programs in the country, in the Maui Invitational.
UNLV, an 11½-point favorite, was stunned by Montana State to begin coach T.J. Otzelberger’s second season. The Rebels trailed for almost 35 minutes of the game.
The UNLV women trailed by 17 points with 7:44 left Wednesday, then cut the deficit to two before losing 79-75 to Northern Arizona in Lindy La Rocque’s debut as coach.
The coronavirus pandemic kept players away from one another during a time when they normally would build chemistry. UNLV opens the season Wednesday against Montana State.
UNLV women’s basketball has a new coach, a largely new roster and a new enthusiasm heading into its season opener Wednesday.
Fans won’t be allowed at the Thomas & Mack Center to start the basketball season, but they can still make their presence felt by purchasing a cutout.
The Lady Rebels, under first-year coach Lindy La Rocque, open the season at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Thomas & Mack Center against Northern Arizona.
The Rebels announced that they have received signed letters of intent from point guards Zaon Collins and Keshon Gilbert of Las Vegas and forward Arthur Kaluma of Arizona.
Former Durango High standout Lindy La Rocque will coach her first UNLV women’s basketball game against Northern Arizona at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Thomas & Mack Center.
UNLV released its schedule Tuesday, eight days before its season opener will be held without fans Nov. 25 against Montana State at the Thomas Mack Center.
There will be no fans the rest of the football season at Allegiant Stadium, or at Thomas and Mack Center or Cox Pavilion to start the basketball season.
Arizona senior Arthur Kaluma announced his oral commitment to UNLV on Thursday. The 6-foot-8-inch forward plays at Dream City Christian School in Glendale, Arizona.
San Diego State is favored to win the title, but Boise State, Utah State and even UNLV might have something to say about that. And the pandemic could disrupt the season, too.
The Rebels’ hopes will largely hinge on the play of a talented group of guards that should form one of the Mountain West’s most well-rounded backcourts.
