Blog: Rebels watch another close game slip away in 53-48 loss to Boise State

By Taylor Bern

Published Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015 | 7 p.m.

Updated Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015 | 10:26 p.m.

Boise State 53, UNLV 48

Game over

The Rebels scored seven straight to come back, tie the game and get the Thomas & Mack Center rocking. Then just as soon as UNLV had the momentum it all went away as Boise State made the game-winning plays and held on for a 53-48 victory on a night the program honored the late Jerry Tarkanian.

Derrick Marks led all scorers with 16 points, including some of the game's most important baskets, and James Webb finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Those are the same two guys who did most of the damage in UNLV's previous loss to Boise State this season.

Once again UNLV's defense was an issue, giving up cuts to the basket and Marks was able to do enough to create offense for himself after a sluggish first half. Just as troublesome tonight was UNLV's offense, which finished at 30 percent from the field, including 2-of-18 on 3-point attempts.

All that said, UNLV had the game tied with momentum. Like most of these conference games, the Rebels had every chance to win and couldn't do it.

UNLV drops to 14-12 overall and 5-8 in conference play with a road game at New Mexico this Saturday. Check lasvegassun.com later tonight for a full report from the Rebels' defeat.

With all of the discussion surrounding the various honors and tributes for the late Jerry Tarkanian tonight, it’s easy to forget there’s a game going on. It’s an important one, too, primarily for Boise State’s NCAA Tournament resume but also for what the Rebels will make of the remainder of this season.

The game tips at 8 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center and will air on CBS Sports Network.

The Rebels (14-11, 5-7) are down to seven scholarship players because of knee injuries in the past eight days to leading scorer Rashad Vaughn and reserve Dantley Walker. It’s possible walk-ons Barry Cheaney and Charles Rushman could see some minutes for UNLV, which is a one-point favorite.

Unless UNLV just shoots lights out, the key is going to be how the Rebels defend everyone not named Derrick Marks.

Marks, a senior guard, is the frontrunner for Mountain West Player of the Year. He scored 28 last time around and has hit that scoring plateau four times since then.

It’s very unlikely that the Rebels, who have struggled defensively all season, will be able to contain Marks. Instead the goal is to try to limit him as much as possible while keeping guys like James Webb and Igor Hadziomerivic quiet.

Webb produced 12 points and 10 rebounds in the last meeting and he’s only gotten better since then. His play was a big reason the Broncos won eight straight games starting with their victory against UNLV.

That streak ended Saturday at Fresno State, which means Boise State’s already bubble-like resume can’t afford to lose a game like this. Normally losing to UNLV isn’t a bad loss but with the Rebels under .500 in conference play so the committee could view it that way.

Bottom line, whether UNLV wins or loses tonight will come down to how well the Rebels defend. That might not be great news, but it’s also an opportunity to come up big.

Bern’s prediction: As usual, I have no idea what’s going to happen with this team. UNLV 69, Boise State 67

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.