UNLV basketball performances of the decade

By Mike Grimala (contact)

Friday, Dec. 27, 2019 | 2 a.m.

While the overall success of the program left something to be desired in the 2010's, there's no doubt UNLV has had its share of great players — and great performances — this decade.

From athletic superstars such as Anthony Bennett and Chris Wood to workmanlike glue guys such as Justin Hawkins, the Runnin' Rebels have enjoyed some unreal single-game performances over the last 10 years.

A look at some of the unforgettable efforts:

Performance of the Decade

Jovan Mooring vs. UNR

Feb. 7, 2018

UNLV 86, UNR 78 (Game story)

The Rebels were facing long odds in Reno late in the 2017-18 season. UNR was ranked No. 18 in the nation at the time, and the Wolf Pack hadn't lost at home in more than a year. Even worse, the in-state rivalry was growing increasingly one-sided, as UNR had won the previous two meetings by 30 and 36 points, respectively.

It was going to take a superhuman effort to lift the Rebels on that night, and that's exactly what they got from Jovan Mooring. The senior guard was known as a fearless (if not always accurate) shooter and he was the perfect candidate to throw the odds out the window and attack.

Mooring scored 14 points in the first half to keep UNLV in it, then the 6-foot-2 Chicago native took over down the stretch. He hit six 3-pointers on the night and nailed a crucial jumper in the final minute to give UNLV an 82-78 lead. With 30 seconds to play, he hit the floor to secure a loose ball that clinched the win.

Mooring finished with a career-high 31 points in 39 minutes, and UNLV got a much-needed win over its biggest rival.

Amauri Hardy was a freshman on that team and remembers Mooring's All-Decade performance.

"I remember him shooting literally from the logo," Hardy said. "Man, he made some crazy shots in that game."

Runner-up

Anthony Bennett vs. Cal

Dec. 9, 2012

UNLV 76, Cal 75 (Game story)

Backup forward Quintrell Thomas scored the game-winner with a putback at the buzzer, but the star of this game was undoubtedly Bennett. The freshman's wide array of talents were on display in Berkeley, as he hit jump shots, scored in the post, drove the lane for dunks and even went coast-to-coast.

He came up clutch, too, scoring all six of UNLV's points in the final two minutes to set up Thomas' last-second tip-in. Bennett played 35 minutes and finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds in what was the most physically impressive showing by a Runnin' Rebel in the last 10 years.

Honorable mention

Mike Moser vs. Santa Barbara

Nov. 30, 2011

UNLV 94, UC Santa Barbara 88 2OT (Game story)

Everyone remembers the game before this, when UNLV knocked off No. 1 North Carolina at the Orleans Arena, but this road tilt at UC Santa Barbara may have been just as memorable due to Moser's performance.

The sophomore forward scored 34 points, including 23 in the second half, to keep upset-minded UCSB at bay. He hit six 3-pointers and also pulled down 10 rebounds while logging 36 minutes.

Chris Wood vs. Arizona

Dec. 23, 2014

UNLV 71, Arizona 67 (Game story)

Arizona was 12-1 and ranked No. 3 nationally coming into this game, but sophomore forward Chris Wood had his way in the paint as he posted 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Rebels to a court-storming victory at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.