UNLV defeated the Alabama State Hornets in its season opener 93-79 on Monday night at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
The Runnin’ Rebels went into the game potentially down three of their players, including their main ball handler, Dedan “DJ” Thomas Jr.
Thomas suited up for UNLV and was in the starting lineup. Thomas picked up right where he left off last season. The sophomore delivered with 17 points and seven assists. Thomas went 1 for 3 from 3, hitting the lone shot from beyond the arc at the end of the second half to seal the game.
It was unknown if Thomas would play in this game, let alone start for UNLV. Last week, head coach Kevin Kruger told the media that Thomas had rolled his ankle and was in a boot that would “last a few weeks.” On Monday, the sophomore guard was the vocal leader for his team.
“He was 17 when he got here, and he was trying to find his place,” Kruger said when asked about Thomas and his leadership compared to last season. “He’s done a much better job so far this fall in communicating on and off the court.”
Thomas’ ankle injury was also an issue last season. He was in and out of a boot in the back half of last season.
“It felt good tonight,” Thomas said in reference to his injured ankle. “Throughout the week it just got better and better.”
The UNLV transfers took over the game. JUCO transfer Jeremiah “Bear” Cherry lived up to that nickname. Cherry led the Runnin’ Rebels in scoring and started the season with a double-double, posting 24 points and 11 rebounds.
The Runnin’ Rebels have strong forwards in Cherry and Rob Whaley Jr., who dominated the paint and provided crucial interior scoring for UNLV.
“I thought they both played their role nearly to perfection,” Kruger said. “We’ve got some size and the ability to move pieces around so whatever presents itself we will be ready for it.”
Cherry dominated the interior, going 10 for 11 in field goals and commanded the paint with his size. The Runnin’ Rebels posted 42 total points in the paint, with Cherry having half of those total points.
“It felt good to get out there and let people know who I am,” Cherry said. “I’m not scared to hit. I’ve never been scared to hit.”
Another transfer who came up big for UNLV was senior transfer Julian Rishwain from Florida, who arrived at UNLV looking to space the floor and give UNLV some reliable shooting.
Rishwain started the game hot, going 3 for 3 from deep. Rishwain added 13 points and two rebounds for the Runnin’ Rebels, posing a deep threat for the team.
The Runnin’ Rebels sophomore guard Brooklyn Hicks took a major leap in UNLV’s victory. He was active on both ends of the floor. Hicks finished the game 5 for 7 shooting with 11 points and two rebounds.
UNLV used its size advantage, outrebounding the Hornets 38-30. The Runnin’ Rebels size came up huge in securing second-chance points.
The Runnin’ Rebels had a decent night on the defensive end. UNLV forced 11 turnovers, scoring 18 points off turnovers.
A notable statistic for UNLV was its 20 assists. This team shared the ball and made the extra pass, which was a factor in this game. The Runnin’ Rebels had four players who scored double digits and three more players a few points shy of 10 points.
“A lot of good things we can continue to build on,” Kruger said. “There are also a good amount of things we can fix and continue to be better.”
Alabama State took an early five-point lead in the first half but couldn’t regain the lead after UNLV went up in the middle of the first half. The Hornets’ leading scorer was Amarr Knox, who posted 19 points and five assists. Antonio “TJ” Madlock added 14 points and four assists for the Hornets.
UNLV starts the season 1-0 and is preparing for a home match against the Memphis Tigers at 6 p.m. ET Saturday.
