UNLV saves record 3-point streak but blown out by New Mexico
It might be hard to believe by looking at the 89-61 score, but UNLV’s loss to New Mexico on Tuesday night at the Thomas & Mack Center could have been worse.
Midway through the second half, the Rebels had not hit a 3-point shot, threatening the nation’s longest streak with at least one 3.
Despite the stark point differential, the Rebels’ 39-year-old NCAA record was top of mind for most fans, as illustrated by one taking advantage of the silence provided by the low-energy crowd to shout, “Hit a (expletive) three!”
To the relief of every fan in attendance, Al Green connected from deep with 11:46 left and saved the record, which has been held for 1,280 games since the NCAA adopted the 3-point line in 1986–87.
Other than that, UNLV coach Josh Pastner couldn’t find many silver linings.
“We got our butts kicked. Thank the good lord we made a 3-pointer, and I thought Naas Cunningham gave us some good minutes,” Pastner said. “Other than that, we were terrible.”
Issac Williamson and Cunningham scored nine points each for UNLV (10-10, 5-4 Mountain West).
Williamson said the team didn’t focus on its poor shooting night (4-0f-18 from three and 37 percent from the field) while the game was unfolding. The failure to illustrate Pastner’s “grit and toughness” motto was more glaring.
“I feel like us fighting most of the time is what we have to do,” Williamson said. “We’re not really worried about the offensive end.
Fan-favorite freshman Tyrin Jones was subbed out two minutes into the game after New Mexico started on a 4-0 run. He later returned to the bench with a shoulder brace but did not return to the game.
Tomislav Buljan led the Lobos (17-4, 8-2 Mountain West) with 18 points.
Given the nature of New Mexico’s dominant win, it’s safe to say Pastner isn’t relishing UNLV’s 3-point streak living on.
“I’m just aware of the record and I know it’s important to the fans,” Pastner said. “I mean, I would rather win the game and not get the three.”
Contact Callie Fin at cfin@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Callie__Fin on X.
