Ex-UNLV star Richie Adams convicted of manslaughter

Richie Adams, a former UNLV basketball star, was convicted Monday of manslaughter in the 1996 beating death of a 15-year-old girl. A jury in New York deliberated for nearly four days before finding the 35-year-old Adams guilty of a lesser charge of first-degree manslaughter in the beating death of Norma Rodriguez. The high school student was found Oct. 15, 1996 in the hallway of a housing project in the Bronx where both she and Adams had lived. Adams, who has been in and out of jail for several felony convictions since the 1980s, was once considered a defensive whiz at UNLV. He played under coach Jerry Tarkanian and was known for his shot-blocking and rebounding talents. The 6-foot-9 Adams was nicknamed "The Animal" in high school because of his intense playing style. But Adams' trouble with the law began in 1985, a day after he was drafted by the Washington Bullets, when he was arrested for stealing a car. He was jailed three times on robbery and grand larceny convictions before being charged with second-degree murder in Rodriguez's death. Police said a bloody size 13 1/2 basketball shoe print led them to Adams, who was living with his mother one floor below where the high school freshman was found savagely beaten. The medical examiner testified that Rodriguez died of head and neck injuries -- a result of being repeatedly stomped upon. Rodriguez's family said at the time of his arrest that Adams had stalked the teenager and attacked her because she had rejected his advances. Adams faces a maximum sentence of life in prison when sentenced Oct. 26.

UNLV golfers 5 shots off pace

The No. 1-ranked UNLV golf team was five shots off the lead after two rounds of play in the PING/Golfweek Preview Invitational at the par-72, 7,150-yard Hazeltine Country Club Monday at Chaska, Minn. The Rebels (294-296--590) sit in fifth place with one round to play. Arizona State (316-293-585) is leading the tournament, while host Minnesota (291-296-587) is in second. Oklahoma State (297-290-587) is in third and Houston (291-298-589) is in fourth. Individually, UNLV junior Michael Kirk (68-73-141) and Arizona State's Jeff Quinney (69-72-141) are both tied for the tournament's lead.

Rebel volleyballers whip UNR

Led by junior middle blocker Christel Eves' career-high 17 kills, the UNLV volleyball team defeated Nevada, Reno 15-11, 11-15, 15-2, 16-14 in a non-conference match Monday at Lied Gymnasium. The Rebels, who won their 10th game of the season in only their 13th try, have exceeded last season's win total when they went 9-18. UNLV also is off to its best start in school history. UNLV (10-3) was assisted in the win by junior outside hitter Angie Sylvas' 17 kills. Sophomore outside hitter Justine Kamelamela recorded a double-double of 16 kills and 12 digs. Senior setter Meri-de Boyer led the Rebels with a match-high 63 assists.

In other UNLV volleyball news:

The Rebels' Kamelamela was named Western Athletic Conference Volleyball Player of the Week for the Mountain Division Monday. It marks the first time this season a UNLV volleyball player has received the honor and second time in the program's history.

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