Missing! Mbacke Diong[/caption]
Next up for UNLV was Indiana State. Joel Ntambwe had himself a game, grabbing 15 boards while putting up 21 points, only to be outdone by Amauri Hardy’s 22. While it seemed to be a good game for the boys, the Rebels couldn’t keep pace with a solid Sycamores squad. Once again trailing at half, this time by 7, another second half outpouring totaling 51 wouldn’t be enough. Diong was held scoreless in 14 minutes of work, and Tervell Beck found himself plantingn roots on the bench. This might be a sign of things to come, as it looks like the big guys are struggling to find success (or even minutes) without the glue that is Juiston.
After failing to reach the finals of the tournament, the Runnin’ Rebels had to settle to play Bucknell in the third place game. I predicted that UNLV would win two out of three in paradise, but this dream turned into a nightmare, quickly. Let’s sum it up with a single tweet…
BUT WAIT!
"We have a Tervell Beck sighting! This is not a drill. Nunu Beck is in the game. He’s playing. It’s a Christmas miracle! Oh wait… he’s out there, playing center, with Noah Robotham, Bryce Hamilton, Trey Woodbury, and Nick Blair. Re-read that."
That, my friends, summarizes the desperate measures UNLV dropped to in this game. Ten turnovers, seven assists combined, and a total of 97 points given up to Bucknell. The defense wasn’t there, missed layups (AND DUNKS!) combined with an abysmal 4-of-25 from three-point range gave UNLV the lowest of lows in being blown out by 25. And to cap it off, it now appears Coach Menzies is on the hot seat.
The Rebs come home to start conference play Wednesday, Jan. 2, against Colorado State. Hopefully the new year brings in new luck, and more consistency for this still young squad. Maybe now, more than ever, the team needs you. Show up early, wear red, and cheer loud. Coach has all but guaranteed a win and a better effort. Plus, all we need to do is win the conference tournament to get another banner in the building, right?







