Smith clinches “Legends Game” victory

It has been 31 years since Robert Smith led UNLV to the 1977 Final Four.

Some of his skills might have gone the way of the disco music that was so popular then, but he still knows how to make free throws.

Smith made two free throws to give the Red team a 74-72 lead with 7.3 seconds remaining in the “Legends” game at the Thomas & Mack Center on Tuesday.

The margin held up when Evric Gray missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer at the other end.

Smith is UNLV's all-time single-season and career free-throw leader.

He made 87.8 percent of his free throws for the Rebels, and an incredible 92.5 percent in one season.

Some random observations:

— Chris Richardson is as athletic as the day he left campus. He needs to be. Richardson said after the game that he just returned to the Harlem Globetrotters, with whom he has been associated for several years. He has enjoyed the experience.

“Still playing basketball and getting paid to travel the world,” he said with a smile. “I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

While he couldn’t pinpoint a favorite place he has visited, he is looking forward to an upcoming trip with the legendary team.

“It’s been great everywhere, but coming up over Thanksgiving we are going to South Korea to entertain the troops. That will be great,” he said.

Still, he said, tonight’s game was a nice experience.

“A lot of fun, a whole lot of fun,” he said. “I miss it a lot. I love it here.”

He even gave the crowd a glimpse of what he is best known for as he threw down several slam dunks.

— Anderson Hunt is as competitive as ever. The beloved point guard lobbied for several calls from the officials. He started out as loose as anyone, but clearly started playing hard as the game got close and physical in the final minutes.

— Donovan Stewart, who public address announcer Dick Calvert mistakenly referred to as Donovan Osborne (a UNLV and Major League pitcher), jumped over the benches and into the front row chasing a loose ball. That play drew the biggest reaction from the sparse crowd that arrived at the arena early to catch the game.

— H Waldman is apparently married. He also felt the need to show that to the world as he decided to wear his wedding ring while he played in the game.

— Greg Anthony sat in the front row, but did not participate in the game. Warren Rosegreen was seated next to him.