Live blog: Boise State pulls away from UNLV, 83-74

By Mike Grimala (contact)

Published Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017 | 6 p.m.

Updated Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017 | 10 p.m.

UNLV never figured out a way to slow down Chandler Hutchison, and the Boise State star poured in 32 points to lead his visiting team to an 83-74 win at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Hutchison connected on 13-of-18 from the field, including a dagger 3-pointer from the corner to put BSU up by nine with less than three minutes to play.

UNLV got 25 points from forward Shakur Juiston, but the Rebels couldn't get enough stops on the other end. Boise State shot 52.9 percent in the second half and 50.8 percent for the game.

The loss drops UNLV to 11-3 on the season and 0-1 in Mountain West play.

Boise State leads UNLV, 73-64

Jovan Mooring hit a transition 3 to pull UNLV within seven points, but Chandler Hutchison responded with a layup on the other end to push Boise State's lead to 73-64 with 3:58 to play.

It's been a rough shooting night for Mooring, who is now 2-of-13, but if he can heat up over the final four minutes, UNLV will gladly take it. The Rebels are just 6-of-20 from 3-point range as a team.

Hutchison now has a game-high 24 points on 11-of-15 shooting.

Boise State opens 60-47 lead over UNLV

Boise State is making its run, and UNLV can't keep up.

A 20-2 run by the Broncos has broken this game open, and with 11:04 to play, Boise State has a 60-47 lead.

UNLV simply hasn't been able to keep up with the pace. Boise State is running the floor and creating easy offense in transition, led by Chandler Hutchison's 22 points (10-of-14 shooting). Boise's open-court style has also created offensive rebounding opportunities, and the Broncos have a 38-18 advantage on the boards.

UNLV looks gassed, especially freshman center Brandon McCoy, so a comeback will be a difficult proposition. The Rebels have plenty of time to make a run, however, if they can start hitting from long range. As of now, UNLV is just 3-of-15 from 3-point range.

UNLV, Boise State tied in second half

Boise State has scored six straight points to tie the game, 43-43, and Marcus Dickinson will shoot a pair of free throws after the timeout with a chance to give the Broncos their first lead of the second half.

UNLV started the second half strong and built a 43-37 lead, but turnovers, missed shots and poor rebounding have allowed Boise to spring right back into the game. Boise State is currently out-rebounding the Rebels, 30-17.

Shakur Juiston has six points already in the second half to give him 19 for the game.

Juiston powers UNLV to 37-35 halftime lead

Shakur Juiston has 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, and UNLV has taken a 37-35 lead into the locker room.

The Rebels haven't found their stroke from long distance yet (3-of-13 from 3-point range), but they've done a good job of limiting Boise's 3-point opportunities on the other end of the court (2-of-8 3FGs).

Chandler Hutchison equaled Juiston's 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting, but the rest of the Broncos made just 9-of-23 from the field.

UNLV point guard Jordan Johnson had some success breaking down BSU's defense off the dribble, and Brandon McCoy has managed to shake free under the basket for some easy finishes. Johnson and McCoy have nine points apiece.

Shooting guard Jovan Mooring struggled with his shot (1-of-9 FGs, 1-of-6 3FGs), but contributed a game-high four assists.

UNLV, Boise State tied late in first half

UNLV has had success picking apart Boise State's zone defense, but with 3:41 to play in the half, the game is tied 33-33.

Boise State used a 7-0 run to take a 33-31 lead, and a Brandon McCoy dunk just knotted the score.

Shakur Juiston has a team-high 13 points for UNLV, while BSU's Chandler Hutchison also has 13.

The Rebels have had a hard time getting back on defense, and Boise State has feasted in transition. Cutting down on Boise's open-court opportunities will be a big key heading into the second half.

UNLV takes early lead over Boise State

UNLV got off to a bit of a slow start offensively, but Shakur Juiston has picked up the slack with nine early points and UNLV has a 19-17 lead with 11:11 left in the first half.

Juiston is 4-of-4 from the field, and he just assisted on a Jovan Mooring 3-pointer to give UNLV the lead.

Boise State has leaned on star wing Chandler Hutchison for early offense, and he has produced nine points of his own on 4-of-5 shooting. The Rebels have tried defending Hutchison with several players (including Juiston), but haven't had much success so far.

Three keys for UNLV basketball vs. Boise State

After romping through non-conference play with an 11-2 record, UNLV will kick off the Mountain West portion of its schedule tonight when Boise State visits the Thomas & Mack Center (8 p.m., AT&T SportsNet). What will the Rebels have to do in order to keep the wins coming? Three keys to watch:

Defensive game plan

Boise State possesses a dangerous and diverse offensive attack, so UNLV will have to execute its game plan flawlessly on the defensive end in order to contain the Broncos.

The 3-point line will be paramount. Boise State is 13th in the nation in total 3-pointers (147 made) and 27th in accuracy (40.2 percent), and the Broncos have six rotation players who are serious threats from long range. UNLV will have to tap into its defensive principles and limit Boise’s production from beyond the arc.

Paint production

UNLV rolled through non-conference play on the strength of its dominant frontcourt, and now it’s time to see if Brandon McCoy and Shakur Juiston can produce at that level against Mountain West opponents.

Boise State’s interior defense isn’t strong — opponents shoot 63.3 percent around the rim against BSU — so UNLV should look to get the ball inside to McCoy and Juiston as often as possible.

Start strong

The Rebels have an opportunity to get off to a brilliant start in conference play — if they beat Boise State. After tonight’s contest, UNLV’s next five games are extremely winnable, with home dates against Utah State and New Mexico and road trips to San Jose State, Air Force and Colorado State.

Could a 6-0 start be in store for the Rebels?