The UNLV Runnin Rebels traveled to Hawaii early December 29 after their 124 point blowout over Central Arkansas December 28. The Runnin Rebels enjoyed three days in paradise and then played the Hawaii Warriors like they layed in the sun for their three-day excursion and did little else.
Hawaii playing San Jose State.
Photo by: LPDrew Wikimedia Commons
Was it a matter of the Runnin Rebels soaking up too many rays from the sun or the team's desire to keep shooting three-point shots when they could not hit the side of the gym? Whatever the reason for the Rebels horrible first half, they did shake the cobwebs off and did what they had to do to beat Hawaii in their home arena.
The Warriors crowd of less than 7,000 strong got very boisterous as Hawaii kept pace with the nationally ranked UNLV squad. The Rebels struggled in all aspects of their game against Hawaii on New Year's Eve but winning ugly is still winning and they closed the deal to end 2011 on a high note,
UNLV head coach Dave Rice joked with UNLV play-by-play man Jon Sandler after the game and before the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve, "I guarantee we will not lose another game this year!"
Rice could have said the rest of the regular season and he might not be far off. The Rebels have a tough road game right out of the box when they travel to another popular tourist destination, San Diego. The Rebels will take on the San Diego State Aztecs in a battle of ranked teams to begin conference play January 14.
The Rebels play Cal State Bakersfield to end their impressive non-conference schedule and if anyone doubts the toughness of the Rebels schedule before conference play starts, take a look at their RPI ranking. The Rebels now boast the seventh best RPI in the nation.
The Rebels are feasting on the weaker opponents, including their rout of Central Arkansas. The 124 points scored in the Thomas and Mack Center against Central Arkansas was the most points scored by UNLV since the Runnin Rebels magical 90-91 season.
Cal State Bakersfield is 7-7 but they play in a loud and claustrophobic gym. The Rebels players will get more exposure to playing in front of a hostile environment in this game but in the end talent will win out over desire. Look for the Rebels to play a tight game in the first half and then explode in the second half.
*Todd Jacobs is a Las Vegas resident who has followed the UNLV Runnin Rebels since the early '80s.
Sources:
KLAS TV Channel 8 Las Vegas Live Telecast
ESPN Clubhouse: UNLV Runnin Rebels news and stats.
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