Rebels’ run starts now, Willis vows

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Time is running short in Tre'Von Willis' career. The UNLV senior guard admitted that thought has been on his mind a lot lately.

And the way things are going, his final year could be forgettable. So Willis announced it's time for change. The Rebels are ready to ditch losing and lackluster basketball before it's too late.

"We're going to be new and improved," he said.

Willis' theory will get tested when fourth-place UNLV (19-7, 7-5) faces third-place Colorado State (18-7, 8-3) at 4 p.m. today in a Mountain West Conference showdown that shapes up as an unofficial NCAA Tournament play-in game.

"It's sinking in finally as a group," Willis said. "We're a team that's ready to get some results these last four games and try to make this run. We're ready to win some ballgames."

That declaration is overdue.

The Rebels are 0-5 against the league's top three teams, a mark of futility that includes a 78-63 loss to the Rams on Jan. 19.

"We got lucky last time," Colorado State coach Tim Miles said. "Willis wasn't with them. He is now. We know what he brings to the table."

When the Rams routed the Rebels in Las Vegas, Willis was sidelined with a sore right knee. He said the knee is "feeling good" for the rematch, and he's ready to rumble.

"Every game I plan on being a difference-maker," said Willis, one of UNLV's top defenders and the team's second-leading scorer at 12.6 points per game. "We've got to outfight them this time."

The first fight was embarrassing for the Rebels, and coach Lon Kruger was disappointed in how his players took punches and got decked.

"Across the board, their team was more aggressive, and when that happens you feel like you've been outworked," he said.

Colorado State senior forwards Travis Franklin and Andy Ogide punished UNLV in the paint. Franklin had 24 points and eight rebounds, and Ogide added 18 points and eight rebounds.

Rebels big men Quintrell Thomas, Carlos Lopez and Brice Massamba plan on being more physical, according to Lopez, who could see more minutes off the bench. Kruger said Massamba is questionable with concussion-like symptoms after taking an elbow in Thursday's practice.

"They are a really tough team and they know how to play inside. Even though they're not that big, they're tough," Lopez said. "We can't be lazy. We have to play our best game.

"We've got to go to their place and do the same thing they did to us. We weren't happy about it, I can tell you that."

Kruger sent a message to the Rebels by banning them from wearing their UNLV practice uniforms Thursday. It was the first time in seven seasons he tried that motivational ploy.

Willis promised the team will have a "new look" featuring more offensive aggressiveness, frequent running, fewer long-range jump shots and a tougher attitude. UNLV made 3 of 29 3-point attempts in the past two games against Air Force and San Diego State.

"We can't keep going through these games not fighting to get what we want on the offensive end," Willis said. "We're letting defenses dictate to us too much, and we're reacting instead of attacking.

"I do feel like in home games we do kind of play a little sluggish and lackluster at times and not 100 percent focused for 40 minutes. We've got to fight for everything we get."

Instead of paying lip service to improved shot selection and not following through, Kruger sounds as if he's now demanding it.

"We can't just keep talking about not making shots," Kruger said. "We have to compete harder to get better shots."

The Rams and Rebels are battling for position in the league standings, and the perception is the winner will emerge with an edge on reaching the NCAA Tournament field in three weeks.

"It's huge," Miles said. "I think we have to be in third place alone if we're going to make it. UNLV might be able to pull it off otherwise. I expect it to be a great game, and it should be a lot of fun."

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.