Rebels down Washburn, 74-56

After scoring the final four points of the first half, UNLV scored the first 12 after the break to seemingly take control of its exhibition against Washburn at the Thomas & Mack Center on Tuesday.

The Rebels held a 17-point lead after the spurt and went on to a 74-56 victory.

It wasn’t easy, however. Washburn had a 9-0 run of its own, and the Ichabods eventually worked the deficit down to two on a 3-pointer by Paul Byers with 6:40 left.

But Washburn missed a short jumper in the lane that could have tied the game, and Wink Adams made consecutive 3-pointers to give the Rebels a 59-51 lead that would hold up.

Adams finished with 27 points. Tre’Von Willis was the next highest scorer for UNLV with nine.

Though it was just an exhibition, there were some alarming numbers for the Rebels.

UNLV turned the ball over 22 times and only outrebounded Washburn, 39-36. For much of the game, the Ichabods won the battle on the boards.

Move it back!

For at last for one night, it appeared the new 3-point line distance is affecting the Rebels. They made only 5 of 22 attempts from beyond the new arc.

Wink Adams made three triples, but needed 10 attempts.

Joe Darger missed all three of his attempts before finally hitting a 3 in the final minute, and Tre’Von Willis was 0-for-2.

Oscar Bellfield was the only other UNLV player to make a 3-pointer, going 1-for-3.

First T

Wink Adams drew a technical foul after committing a charging foul in the first half. He says it was the first such infraction of his collegiate career.

Fortunately for him, it happened in an exhibition game.

Tie it tighter

Rene Rougeau lost his right shoe twice during the game. He might want to find a tighter pair before Saturday when the games begin to count.

Extra point

Willis drove past his defender late in the game on a breakaway, only to miss the layup.
It worked out for the best. He went back to get the ball and layed it in, but this time was fouled and converted the free throw to get his team three points instead of two.

Rebels greats honored at halftime

Lots of former Rebels, followed by members of the 1977, 1987 and 1991 Final Four teams, assembled on the court and were honored by the school.

Many of the big names from the program’s past were there, but perhaps most notable because of the significance was Glen Gondrezick.

One of the stars of the 1977 team, “Gondo” was the recipient of a new on Sept. 20 and is back in his seat as the color commentator on the radio broadcasts.

The other members of the 1977 team in attendance were: Mike Milke, Larry Moffett, Matt Porter, Jon Rodriguez, Robert Smith and Sam Smith.

Jerry Chandler, Cliff Findlay, Edward Plawski, Curtis Watson and coach Rolland Todd represented the1967-68 team.

Freddie Banks, Paul Biafore, Stacey Cvijanovich, Eldridge Hudson, Gerald Paddio, Keith Starr, Leon Symanski and athletic director Brad Rothermel from the 1986-87 Final Four team were recognized.

The biggest names of the night represented the 1990-91 team. Greg Anthony, Anderson Hunt, Travis Bice, Bryan Emerzian, Evric Gray, Chris Jeter, H Waldman and Sean Watkins were all in attendance and were honored at the half.

The players from various UNLV teams who also took part in the festivities included: Jevon Banks, Robert Berkey, Lamar Bigby, Vince Booker, Richard Box, Mike Burns, David Butler, Chancellor Davis, Sidney Green, Ken Gibson, Lou Kelly, Michael Loyd, Chris Popoola, Chris Richardson, Warren Rosegreen, Patrick Savoy, Jermaine Smith and Donovan Stewart.