UNLV Uses Defense To Top New Mexico, 74-58
Rebels sweep season series over Lobos.
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UNLV improves to 5-1
UNLV (11-7, 5-1 MW) faced off against New Mexico (9-10, 3-4 MW) and just like in their first matchup UNLV’s defense was tremendous to win 74-58 and sweep the season series.
Outstanding defense along with great three point shooting lead to another Rebel win in conference play.
The Runnin Rebels started out of the gate in a bit of foul trouble, with starting center Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua picking up two early fouls. His replacement Tervell Beck also picked up a foul and the third time was the charm for coach Menzies front court substitutions.
Menzies went small and put walk on forward Nick Blair into the game. Blair was an unexpected surprise for the Rebels finishing with a career high 26 points knocking down a team high four three point shots. New Mexico left Blair open the whole game and he was able to take advantage of the open space finishing 9 of 14 from the field.
Blair may have finished as the team’s leading scorer, but Noah Robotham was the Rebels MVP. Robotham was spectacular on both ends of the court.
His offensive production was exactly what the Rebels needed from Robatham finishing with 11 points and 9 assist. On the defensive end is where he shined holding Anthony Mathis to just 8 points. Mathis is averaging almost 16 points a game, but was unable to get anything going against Robatham’s smothering defense.
As a team the Rebels shot over 50 percent from three. Finishing the game shooting 14 of 25 from three. Over the past three games the Rebels have been red hot from three. Shooting 14 of 28 against Air Force and 15 of 31 against San Jose State.
New Mexico struggled to find a rhythm all game. The Lobos shot just 35 percent from the field. While committing 14 turnovers. With Mathis unable to provide much scoring New Mexico relied on Carlton Bragg who led the team with 12 points and also 12 rebounds.
Up next for the Rebels is a road game is San Diego State.
Up next for the Lobos is Utah State.
