Spain dominates extra session for SDSU
UNLV held Kyle Spain to just nine points in regulation on Tuesday night.
The San Diego State senior erupted for eight in the extra session, however, to lift the Aztecs to a 68-66 overtime victory that gave them sole possession of first place in the Mountain West Conference.
Spain hit a 3-pointer to open the extra five minutes, then got a steal and made two free throws after the Rebels had answered with a 3-pointer.
With a one point lead, Spain hit another 3-pointer that gave San Diego State a 67-63 lead and proved to be the game-winner.
The Rebels got back within a point, but Rene Rougeau’s layup with 43 seconds remaining rimmed out and Wink Adams' 3-pointer in the closing seconds was short.
Spain finished with 17 points, five rebounds and four assists for San Diego State.
Lorrenzo Wade and Billy White each had 12 points.
UNLV, which shot under 34 percent from the field, got 16 points from Adams and 11 each from Rogueau and Oscar Bellfield.
Rougeau also had seven rebounds, but turned the ball over five times.
FREE PASS?
Why do UNLV fans not boo San Diego State’s Ryan Amoroso every time he touches the ball?
The only thing I can think of is that the fans here don’t follow the program quite as closely as most fan bases.
If they did, they would know that Amoroso reneged on an oral commitment to attend UNLV after he decided to transfer from Marquette. He instead chose to attend Mountain West Conference rival San Diego State and has been a pretty good player for the Aztecs.
Many fans know the story, as it has been well-documented. But with so many other things going on in Las Vegas, perhaps it has just slipped under the radar of the average fan.
CELEBRITY SHOOTOUT
Three fans have won the Saturn Shootout this season by making a layup, free throw, 3-pointer and half-court shot in 30 seconds.
Maybe that’s why they brought in some celebrities and instead played for charity on Tuesday night.
One of them almost pulled it off, however.
UNLV wide receiver Ryan Wolfe hit the first three, progressed to the half-court shot and hit the inside of the rim with his attempt as the buzzer sounded.
NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne was not as successful. He had good form and made the layup and free throw, but was far too weak to knock down any of his several tries from behind the 3-point arc.
All of his attempts fell far short.
What did this teach us? Kahne is much better at driving than pulling up for the jump shot.
SIGN OF THE GAME
A fan dressed in a UNLV jersey held up a sign throughout the game that said, “Hey Wade, You stole my TV.”
San Diego State star Lorrenzo Wade was arrested before the season on allegations of being with a person who stole a television in San Diego.
So, while the sign may not be completely fair, it was pretty funny.
STEAK OVER
Prior to the loss on Tuesday night, UNLV had won 27 straight games at the Thomas & Mack Center against conference opponents.
The run included 21 consecutive regular season wins and six Mountain West Conference tournament wins.
San Diego State also owned the last victory by a conference foe in the arena.
NEXT UP
The Rebels travel to Albuquerque to play New Mexico at 5 p.m. on Saturday.
“The Pit” is always a tough place to play, but the Lobos will have the added incentive of revenge on their minds.
UNLV defeated New Mexico 60-58 in Las Vegas on Jan. 3.
The Rebels will be looking to avoid their third two-game losing streak of the season.
Each time UNLV has lost a game this season, it has lost its next game before winning another contest.
The Rebels started the year 5-0 before losing to California. UNLV then lost to Cincinnati the next day before winning eight straight games.
That run was broken by a loss at Texas Christian, which the Rebels followed up with a loss at Colorado State.
“We need a win,” Rene Rougeau said. “We can’t worry about the last game and we can’t really worry about losing two games in a row. We’ve just got to win the next one.”
Coach Lon Kruger said he wasn’t worried about the potential of suffering another two-game losing streak.
“That’s not a factor. Playing New Mexico is a factor,” he said.
THANKS FOR SHOWING UP
Greg Maddux was honored during a halftime ceremony and given an honorary No. 31 UNLV jersey.
The whole night was even named for him as the school celebrated “Greg Maddux Night.”
Apparently, all they could get in return for all the pomp and circumstance was 40 minutes of Maddux’s time.
The future Hall of Famer, who is a season-ticket holder, was seen departing the arena through the tunnel at the end of regulation.
To be fair, it’s not a guarantee that he actually left the Thomas & Mack, but it looked bad.
Maddux did have his children with him and he could probably just say that he had to put them to bed on a school night.
But couldn’t he make an exception for GREG MADDUX NIGHT!!!
He wasn’t the only person heading for the exits as overtime began. Who are these people that invest the time and money to attend a game, but don’t care enough to see the game to its conclusion.
Perhaps Maddux should have called in a closer to finish the game for him as he had to do on so many occasions during his career.
Okay, enough ranting. He really was a great pitcher and he has been a great representative for the city of Las Vegas. Plus, he seems to be a good guy. Just finish out the game next time.
