The Colorado State Rams defeated UNLV at home, 84-62, to hand UNLV its second loss in conference play this season.
The Runnin’ Rebels have now lost back-to-back games by double digits. UNLV sits fifth in the Mountain West, tied with San Diego State at 3-2 in conference play.
UNLV simply had no answer for Niqe Clifford and Rashaan Mbemba. Both Rams players scored 22 points as Colorado State pulled ahead in the second half.
The Runnin’ Rebels kept things close in the first half. UNLV and Colorado State traded shots early in the first.
Late in the first, the Rams gained momentum. UNLV couldn’t connect on offense and the Rams turned missed shots into a 9-0 run, extending the lead 33-22. UNLV managed to get within six points at halftime.
Colorado State came out of the half, extending the lead to 13. The Rams continued to grab rebounds, securing second-chance points.
The Runnin’ Rebels offense drew stagnant. Missed layups and jump shots combined with turnovers were the difference down the stretch.
Colorado State extended its lead into double digits cruising to an 84-62 victory.
Sophomore guard Dedan “DJ” Thomas Jr. and junior Jaden Henley led UNLV in scoring, both posting 19 points. Thomas added six assists on the night.
UNLV shot 63.6% from the free-throw line compared to Colorado State’s 80%.. UNLV made it to the free-throw line 11 times all game.
The Runnin’ Rebels struggled to rebound against the Rams. Colorado State outrebounded UNLV 35-28.
UNLV has now lost double-digit back-to-back losses. It’s the team’s fourth double-digit loss on the season. Thomas has been UNLVs main scorer. The shifty guard continues to command the offense and get into the interior. While Thomas manages to finish and draw fouls, the sophomore has a 75.4% free-throw percentage.
The Runnin’ Rebels continue to rely on Thomas and need the production as the team returns home to host No. 25 Utah State. UNLV and Utah State square off at 11 p.m. ET Wednesday inside the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas.
