Fan’s View: On the road with the Rebels

Hello Rebel fans. I’m sorry for the delay in my blog about my adventures following the Rebels to New York City. I arrived home last Sunday night and the week flew by with the holiday and Rebel games.

To recap, the Runnin’ Rebels hit NYC with a record of 2-0 after two close games at home. Hopes were high as they opened up against Stanford in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic last weekend. Unfortunately they were not up to the test, as Stanford just made 3 after 3 like crazy. In the end, the Rebels lost the first game in the Big Apple, 89-60. The second game placed the Rebels against the Temple Owls. It seemed like the Rebels had settled down a little and played excellent against Temple, winning the game, 57-50.

It was not all business while in New York City as the boys were able to experience the 9/11 Memorial. It was quite an emotional place, as my family and friends and I met there Friday afternoon. We took some photos, as you can see above.

I was so lucky to have my family with me in New York. All 3 of my kids came and we shared an apartment in Brooklyn with our friend Jan and her son Brian. It was right near the subway and we made use of the public transportation system most of the time we were there. We spent Thursday around Times Square. I took my younger daughter and walked over to Madison Square Garden plus checked out the various stores and shops while my older children, Diana and Michael, were in the audience of the Jimmy Fallon show that night.

We met up with some other Rebel fans and explored Rockefeller Center. Later we met up with the kids again, along with more UNLV friends and enjoyed happy hour at the Tonic Bar in Times Square.

Before Friday night’s game, I set up a get together for Rebel fans and sent out an email to some friends. I figured about 50 people would show up. Much to my surprise, it ended up being around 120 people! I had told the manager we would have a big crowd, but I guess he didn’t believe me and only had one bartender on hand. That guy did his best, but in the end, a lot of folks left and went to another bar down the street. Thank you to everyone who showed up and I’m sorry it didn’t end up being the best party ever, but we sure did have a good time anyway!

When we returned to Las Vegas Sunday night, we ran into the team in the airport. Everyone was happy to get home, especially with a record of 3-1. Coach Rice thanked us for making the trip and said we learned a lot in the two games.

The Rebels returned to the Mack on Saturday afternoon to play the Albany Great Danes. It was time for the Rashad Vaughn show as he went for 29 points. Chris Wood had 19 while Dwayne Morgan put up 10 as the Rebels cruised to a 75-59 victory.

Many Rebel fans headed out to Sam Boyd Stadium after the basketball game ended to attend the annual Fremont Cannon game against UNR. Coach Bobby Hauck had resigned the day prior and we all hoped the players had enough motivation to win their last game for Bobby, to keep the cannon red and to get their third win of the season.

The game started out well and the Rebels were up at halftime 17-14. That didn’t last long as the Wolf Pack scored 3 times in the 3rd quarter and two more in the last quarter. The Rebels scored only 10 more points in the second half and lost by a final score of 49-27.

There were a few tears at the end of the game as we said goodbye to our seniors, including outstanding wide receiver Devante Davis. Now it’s up to the Athletic Director and UNLV President to find another new coach to get the football program turned around.

This week, the Runnin’ Rebels head to Tempe to face Arizona State at 5 p.m. PT on Wednesday. The game will be televised on the Pac 12 Network. Then it’s back to Las Vegas for a game against St. Katherine’s at the Orleans Arena on Friday at 7 p.m.

The Lady Rebels head to Provo to face BYU at 6 p.m. on Thursday. You can watch that game online at unlvrebels.com.

Well, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and I hope to see you all around the Thomas & Mack after the rodeo leaves town.

GO REBELS!

Contact Lori Cox at unlvgirlblog@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @UNLVgirl.