Can UNLV Runnin' Rebels Maintain Momentum After Edging Out Rams?

The UNLV Runnin' Rebels secured a hard-fought victory over the Colorado State Rams with a final score of 66-60. The game, which was a conference matchup, saw the Runnin' Rebels improve their season record to an unranked status while the Rams dropped to 22 in ranking. The Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas hosted an engaged crowd of 8,591 spectators as both teams battled through lead changes and ties.

The first half ended narrowly with the Rams leading by two points at 26-24. However, it was during the second half that the Runnin' Rebels surged ahead with an impressive 42 points compared to the Rams’ 34. This comeback was pivotal for UNLV's triumph.

UNLV's performance was marked by strong defensive plays and efficient scoring from free throws where they excelled with an accuracy of 84 percent. Their overall field goal percentage stood at 38 percent while their three-point shots were successful on 35 percent of attempts. The team also showcased their rebounding strength by securing a total of 37 rebounds; offensive rebounds accounted for eight and defensive ones for twenty-six.

The home team’s defense blocked three shots and made four steals contributing to their robust defensive effort throughout the game. Despite committing more turnovers than their opponents (13 compared to eight), they managed to keep personal fouls lower at fourteen against twenty from Colorado State.

On offense, free throws played a significant role in UNLV's scoring strategy as they made twenty-six out of thirty-one attempts which helped them stay ahead despite fewer field goals made (seventeen) than Colorado State (twenty-one). Both teams scored six three-pointers each but it was UNLV’s higher conversion rate that gave them an edge.

Colorado State demonstrated resilience throughout the match-up as well, particularly through their assist-to-turnover ratio which stood at a commendable figure of around two assists per turnover while also making nine fast break points. They shot fifty percent from two-point range and grabbed twenty-eight rebounds but ultimately fell short against UNLV's determined play in front of their home crowd.

Looking forward, fans can catch the next game for the UNLV Runnin' Rebels when they face off against Wyoming Cowboys on February 27th at Arena-Auditorium in Laramie, WY. This away game is scheduled for a tip-off time at seven o'clock PM Mountain Time Zone and will be broadcasted live on CBS Sports Network for fans eager to follow along as this season progresses.