Rebels Knock Off The Illini And Move To 8-2
UNLV is now 7-1 in Las Vegas this season
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Rebels had enough in the tank to top Big Ten’s Illinois Saturday night
Jovan Mooring had 27 points and Brandon McCoy added 22 as UNLV knocked off Illinois 89-82 Saturday night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Because of the National Finals Rodeo going on at the Thomas & Mack Center, UNLV hosted Illinois at the MGM Grand Arena, its eighth game in the city of Las Vegas this season.
The free throw line was the story Saturday night. UNLV attempted a season-high 48 free throws (converting 33) while Illinois had just 15 attempts. The difference of 22 made free throws greatly impacted the final score, but UNLV’s hot shooting down the stretch made Illinois’ comeback bid insurmountable.
The Rebels knocked down each of its final six shot attempts, finishing 26-50 from the field including 4-11 from deep. Along with Mooring and McCoy, Shakur Juiston and Jordan Johnson also added 10 apiece.
Brandon McCoy, who had 22 points and 10 rebounds Saturday, recorded his fifth 20/10 game of the season. Only Duke’s Marvin Bagley has more 20/10 performances.
Next up for UNLV is a rare road matchup against Pacific (5-6) in Stockton, California. UNLV then hosts Mississippi Valley State and Northern Colorado to wrap up non-conference play.