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March 29, 2024

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Live blog: UNLV finishes strong against Cal Poly, finally getting out in transition and winning 75-52

UNLV vs. Cal Poly

Sam Morris

UNLV forwards Mike Moser, left, and Brice Massamba celebrate as Cal Poly calls time out during the second half of their game Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. UNLV won the game 75-52.

Updated Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011 | 9:39 p.m.

UNLV takes down Cal Poly, 75-52

UNLV forwards Mike Moser, left, and Brice Massamba celebrate as Cal Poly calls time out during the second half of their game Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. UNLV won the game 75-52. Launch slideshow »

It was only a matter of time until the UNLV basketball team went on a scoring run.

UNLV’s up-tempo style of play was stuck in neutral for most of the game’s initial 30 minutes Tuesday against visiting Cal Poly, with the Rebels’ slow in adapting to the Mustangs’ disciplined offensive pace and stingy defense.

Then, the better team flexed its muscles.

The Rebels finally started scoring in transition, going on a decisive 14-0 run with about eight minutes to play in growing their lead to more than 20 points. When it was all said and done, the Rebels won their fifth straight game to open the season, 75-52.

The outcome was never in doubt for much of the second half, with UNLV comfortably ahead by double-digits. But after UNLV easily ran past Canisius and Morgan State in its last two games, the simple fact the Rebels didn’t continue the dominating performance was noteworthy.

The game was billed as a step up in competition for UNLV, and Cal Poly certainly held up its end of the bargain.

Anthony Marshall had two impressive baskets on the fast break as part of the decisive rally, and Mike Moser brought the crowd to its feet with a monstrous dunk. After a slow start, Moser unofficially finished with a team-high 14 points and eight rebounds.

Five UNLV players reached double figures, including Marshall with 13 points and seven assists, Bellfield with 12 points, Chace Stanback with 11 points and Brice Massamba with 10 points and nine rebounds.

UNLV returns to action Friday against USC at the Orleans Arena as part of the Las Vegas Invitational. The Rebels will likely play North Carolina on Sunday.

UNLV still leading Cal Poly by double digits, 50-38, with 8 minutes to play

The UNLV basketball team has been taken out of its game plan to push the ball up the court against visiting Cal Poly but still leads 50-38 with eight minutes to play.

The Rebels have just seven fast-break points and have often let the shot clock dip below 10 seconds, adjusting to the pressure of a Cal Poly squad that gets back on defense and hasn’t backed down all night.

Oscar Bellfield is the lone Rebel in double figures with 12 points. Anthony Marshall has five points and six assists, and Chace Stanback has nine points.

Mike Moser, the nation’s leading rebounder, has just eight points and six rebounds. He entered averaging more than 14 rebounds and a team-best 16 points per game.

Five quick second-half points from Oscar Bellfield help Rebels grow lead to double digits

The UNLV basketball team has opened the second half on a 10-6 run to take its biggest lead of the night against Cal Poly, 39-28, with 15:38 to play.

The Rebels’ Oscar Bellfield scored the initial five points of the half, including draining a 3-pointer. Mike Moser also had a big play, scoring on an offensive rebound and short jumper.

But give Cal Poly credit for hanging around. The Mustangs have hit a pair of 3-pointers in the second half and despite the double-digit deficit, appear to be confident.

The Mustangs' game plan to slow the pace of the game has worked. UNLV has just two fast-break points.

Despite struggles, UNLV leading Cal Poly by seven points at halftime

Mike Moser and Brice Massamba are leading the UNLV basketball team with six points at halftime with the Rebels ahead of visiting Cal Poly, 29-22.

UNLV, which is coming off consecutive 90-point games, hasn’t been as fluid offensively, committing eight turnovers and shooting just 35 percent.

You could easily argue the Rebels played a sluggish first half, which can be partially credited to the Rebels’ brutal stretch of games to open the season. This is the first of three games in five days and the fourth in the last eight days.

Part of the credit also has to go to Cal Poly. After falling into the trap early of running with UNLV, the Mustangs have executed the game plan of being patient on offense. They are typically shooting with about 10 seconds left on the shot clock then playing great transition defense.

It’s definitely a step up in competition for UNLV, which made easy work of Canisius and Morgan State in its last two games.

Also for UNLV, Oscar Bellfield has five points and Chace Stanback has tallied four. Moser, who leads the nation in rebounds, has five boards. UNLV, which has made double-digit 3-pointers the last two games, is just 2 of 9 from long distance.

Check back in with everyone after halftime.

Big 3-pointer from Kendall Wallace helps UNLV build lead against Cal Poly

Kendall Wallace, the UNLV basketball team’s 3-point specialist, was in the game Tuesday against Cal Poly for less than a minute when he made the Rebels’ first 3-pointer of the night.

That helped spark the Rebels to a 9-2 run, giving them a 19-14 lead against the visiting Mustangs with 8:20 to play in the first half.

Junior guard Anthony Marshall started the UNLV outburst. Marshall was fouled hard while taking the ball to the basket on the fast break and proceeded to nail a pair of technical foul shots to give UNLV its first lead of the night.

On the Rebels’ next trip to the offensive end, Marshall found an open Wallace for the 3-pointer.

UNLV hasn’t been as dominant offensively as in its last two games, but the athleticism displayed on several plays is impressive. It’s a team not afraid to take the ball to the basket or be aggressive on both ends of the court.

UNLV is 5-of-6 from the free throw line, has five assists and turnovers, and four blocks. Marshall and Chace Stanback each have four points to lead the team.

Rebels struggling early from the field, trail Cal Poly 7-6

One game after connecting on 12 of 23 attempts on 3-pointers, the UNLV basketball team has missed its initial three attempts Tuesday against Cal Poly in trailing 7-6 with 15:14 remaining in the first half.

The Rebels, who are just 3 of 11 from the field, are led by Chace Stanback’s four points. Brice Massamba scored the other bucket.

UNLV has scored more than 90 points in its last two games and are shooting 40 percent on 3-pointers — so, you can argue, it's only a matter of time until they find their stride.

Cal Poly is expected to slow the pace of the game, but the Mustangs haven’t been as deliberately patient as expected. You can easily see how UNLV’s fast pace can trap an opponent into running as well.

The Rebels’ Mike Moser, who leads the nation is rebounding, already has three boards.

Rebels look to continue hot shooting against Cal Poly

Whether it is after a practice, on an off day or before a game, it seems like members of the UNLV basketball team are searching for ways to get more work in on their shooting.

The extra work has definitely paid off.

The Rebels have scored more than 90 points in their last two games and are shooting 40 percent on 3-pointers in the first four games of the season.

The Rebels will look to continue that shooting streak when they host Cal Poly at 7:30 p.m. It’s the second round of the Las Vegas Invitational, which includes games Friday and Saturday at the Orleans Arena.

While UNLV’s hot shooting has been one of the keys to a solid early start to the season, it is not the lone reason the Rebels are thriving offensively. A fast-paced offense has led to several easy baskets and open looks, putting the UNLV players in an ideal position to score.

This, however, has been the drill against teams such as Canisius and Morgan State. Tonight’s game is the first of three contests in five days, with the competition getting tougher each night.

Cal Poly (2-1) is typically patient on offense and won’t fall into UNLV’s trap of pushing the ball up the court. Also, they are the best defensive team UNLV has played.

Friday, UNLV will take on USC from the Pac-12 at the Orleans Arena, and Saturday the Rebels could potentially play top-ranked North Carolina.

Tonight’s game follows the UNLV women’s basketball game against Texas San-Antonio. Like the men, the Lady Rebels have a perfect 4-0 record.

I will talk to everyone once the game begins. Make sure to follow me on Twitter @raybrewer21.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21.

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