The UNLV Runnin' Rebels got a much needed victory over the New Mexico Lobos on Saturday, winning 80-63. The Runnin' Rebels used a strong second half where they outscored the Lobos 41-28. Five players were in double figures for UNLV, with Mike Moser and Carlos Lopez leading the way with 14 points each. Moser also added 10 rebounds to earn his second straight double-double. Kendall Williams and Tony Snell also led New Mexico with 15 points each as four Lobos reached double figures.
The story of the game is found in the turnover battle, where New Mexico turned the ball over 21 times. UNLV then did what they do best with these turnovers, score. UNLV scored often off of turnovers and in transition, and it was too much for New Mexico to keep with in the second half. In the first half, the Lobos shot decently, being able to keep the game within striking distance, but went cold for stretches in the second half. During each stretch, UNLV pushed their lead further and further until New Mexico was pretty much done.
Drew Gordon also had a double-double for New Mexico, but a big problem for the Lobos was the fact that they were unable to score points from the bench. Only six players scored for New Mexico, four were starters, and those same four were in double figures. It's always great to see four of your starters in double figures, but not when you only have nine bench points coming from two players. New Mexico was supposed to be a deep team this year, and they played ten players, but only six players produced. Something that could be very concerning for New Mexico in the future.Once again, do-it-all player Anthony Marshall had another stellar game, scoring 13 points while also racking up 9 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. Marshall has quietly become the main facilitator on this team after Oscar Bellfield started the season as the main guy running the offense. This seems to have been the right move by Dave Rice and Co. as the Runnin' Rebels offense has certainly progressed under the newfound direction of Anthony Marshall.
Chace Stanback and Mike Moser have also become scorers who can get their own shot as well as rebound well. Both have scored double figures in most games this season and both are consistently seen skying for rebounds. Brice Massamba and Carlos Lopez are both playing well for UNLV at the five spot and Justin Hawkins has shown some great spark coming off the bench. This team is clicking at the right time, and it might just get them a high seed in this year's NCAA Tournament.
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