Las Vegas, NV — The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels and Akron Zips confronted off at Thomas and Mack Middle Tuesday night time. The Rebels rode a hot-shooting first half (53.3% from the ground and 58.3% from 3) to construct a 41-31 lead and snapped their two-game dropping streak and enhance to 3-3, successful 72-70. The Zips by no means had a lead bigger than two factors and dropped their third straight, falling to 4-3.
For UNLV, fifth-year guard Luis Rodriguez led the way in which within the first half with 10 factors on near-perfect capturing, solely lacking one shot from the ground and flattening two triples. Rodriguez additionally pulled down two rebounds and had an help and a steal. Junior guard Jackie Johnson III got here off the bench and offered instantaneous offense, scoring 9 factors on 3-of-4 capturing (one made three-pointer) and an help. Freshman guard Dedan Thomas Jr. confirmed why he was the No. 33 participant within the class of 2023 (based on 247Sports) and the one top-100 recruit to decide to a Mountain West faculty, scoring eight factors and dispensing three assists.
For Akron, the duo of fifth-year senior and small ahead Mikal Dawson and senior middle Enrique Freeman mixed for 19 factors within the first half. Dawson made all of Akron’s three-point makes an attempt (3-of-6 as a crew), whereas Freeman had a team-high 10 factors. The Zips wanted each level from their star gamers and even lower UNLV’s lead right down to 4 factors a number of occasions however couldn’t string collectively sufficient defensive stops.
Freeman and Dawson continued their robust begins for Akron, however just one different participant (senior ahead Sammy Hunter, 15 factors) completed in double figures. Freeman, who was fourth within the nation in rebounding common final season (11.9 RPG), completed with a double-double – 22 factors and 13 rebounds on 9-of-17 capturing and three blocks. Dawson made one other two photographs, together with one other three-pointer to complete with 14. Hunter did all he might to will the Zips again in it, happening a private 8-0 run in 30 seconds, however fell brief.
Thomas Jr. (12 factors), Rodriguez (13 factors), Kalib Boone (12 factors) and Johnson III (11 factors) all completed in double figures for the Runnin’ Rebels. Boone specifically stuffed the stat sheet, ending with 12 factors, seven rebounds, 4 assists, three steals and 4 blocks.
There have been solely a mixed 5 free-throw makes an attempt by each groups within the first half, however the two groups mixed for 13 within the second half. UNLV’s sizzling capturing from past the arc cooled down (2-of-8 within the second half) however the Rebels used their presence within the paint (40 factors) to maintain their lead. Akron lower the result in two with 48.5 seconds half and had an opportunity to tie or take the lead, however Dawson missed a three-pointer and Thomas Jr. secured the rebound. He would get fouled instantly and missed the entrance finish of a one-and-one, however Akron couldn’t get a shot off after securing the rebound. 
Each groups are heading to Ohio for his or her subsequent sport. The Rebels will journey to Dayton subsequent Wednesday to tackle the Flyers at 6:00 p.m. PST, whereas the Zips will probably be at dwelling to tackle Bradley at 7 p.m. native time.
This text was written by Mason McFee, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You possibly can comply with us on Fb, or on twitter.
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