Willis leads Rebels to big win in season opener

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Tre'Von Willis had a game-high 17 points to lead UNLV to a 91-52 victory against Division II Pittsburg State of Kansas tonight.

BLOG: Rebels overcome sloppy moments

UNLV closed the first half on a 24-7 run and Willis scored the initial seven points of the second half to extend the lead to 55-32. He had 13 second-half points.

Kendall Wallace added 16 points for UNLV, including 4 of 5 from the 3-point line, and Justin Hawkins finished with 11 points. Of the 13 Rebels who played, 11 scored.

Pittsburg State committed 35 fouls, which led to a school-record 52 free throw attempts for UNLV. The Rebels were 36 of 52 from the line.

But UNLV forced the Gorillas into 25 turnovers and limited them to 27 percent shooting in the second half. Pittsburg State missed all 10 of the 3-pointers it attempted.

Rodney Grace led Pittsburgh State with 15 points and Spencer Magana had 12.