An ole' fashioned beating: Recap - UNLV wins over Canisius

UNLV is now 3-0

UNLV 95, Canisus 70

Impressive win and perhaps the first showing of Coach Rice’s “Runnin” Rebels. This game figured to be high scoring and high tempo based upon the makeup of both teams, but scoring nearly 100 is a feat not achieved by the Rebels since November of 2006. It didn’t quite happen tonight, but close enough.

The game was close up till the 10 minute mark of the first half when Canisius lead the Rebels 21-20. From that point forward. Similar to the game against UNR, Carlos Lopez provided a spark off of the bench that propelled the Rebels to their comfortable lead. Also similar, Justin Hawkins continued his excellent play by filling up his stat line, 14 points, 5 steals, 2 blocks, 4 assists. Regarding assists, the Rebels were helping each other out frequently, tallying 28 total assists (lead by Bellfield with 10, and Marshall with 7). These trends show that UNLV has a deep roster than can easily provide offensive support and make a real difference – something a lot of teams lack.  

Besides the scoring elevation, a major difference in this game from the previous two was the high percentage at which the Rebels made their three-point shots. They made 11-20 for 55%, a blazing hot stat. The biggest help in that effort were Bellfield (4-5), Wallace (3-4) and Hawkins (2-4).

The balanced scoring continued with 5 players with double figure scoring. Moser led all Rebels with 19, followed by Bellfield and Hawkins with 14, Stanback and Lopez with 10. A double double (points and assists) for Oscar Bellfield. The biggest lead by UNLV was 35 points.

Some of the most telling results of the Runnin’ game are reflected in these stats – 31 points off of turnovers, 24 fast break points. The Rebels were dominant inside, 42 points in the paint and 32 rebounds. If any negatives could be found in this game, it would be free throw shooting (69%) and an overall sloppy game (19 turnovers). The effort was great, defense was, great, and the scoreboard shows we soundly beat up on Canisius. Hope the Golden Griffin faithful that made the trip to Las Vegas find more satisfaction in the buffet at the Cosmopolitan than they did watching their team get destroyed.

This game could be a key  game where a progression in the development and implementation of the Runnin’ offense . Nobody can argue with the offensive potency, and the defense is still there. Had UNLV really been defending at the end of the game, they could have kept Canisius in the 60’s. This game should give the team confidence going forward, with tougher contests near on the horizon.

Best quote of post-game, Coach Rice said regarding Mike Moser “regarding his potential his coaching staff believes they’re just scratching the surface." 


Rebel Reign MVP - Mike Moser; Consistent and awesome, two great qualities to have in a player


In other news of future foes, USC played SDSU last night. SDSU won in a close but low scoring affair, 56-54.