No. 19 UNLV 76, Air Force 71 (OT): Bryce Dejean-Jones scored six
of his 16 points in overtime, including a go-ahead jumper with 12 seconds to
play, lifting the host Runnin’ Rebels over the Falcons in a Mountain West Conference
game.
Freshman Anthony Bennett led UNLV with 22 points and 16
rebounds and Mike Moser returned to the starting lineup to score 14 points and
grab 11 rebounds as UNLV (14-3, 1-1 MWC) rebounded from its conference-opening
loss at New Mexico.
Air Force was led by Mike Fitzgerald with 22 points and
Michael Lyons with 19, but Lyons missed a turnaround jumper in the lane with a
second left in overtime that would have given the Falcons (9-5, 1-1) the lead.
UNLV then put the game away with four straight free throws.
Air Force also had a chance to win the game at the end of
regulation but Fitzgerald missed a 3-pointer. The Rebels tied the game at 62
on a pair of free throws by Dejean-Jones with 37 seconds left in regulation.
Air Force held four separate leads in the extra session but
couldn’t hold it, losing to UNLV for the 11th straight time. UNLV led
38-30 at the half as Bennett and Moser had a dozen points. UNLV finished
the game just 18-for-31 from the free throw line.
GAME NOTEBOOK: UNLV assisted on all 13 of its field goals in
the first half. … The Rebels’ tough MWC opening schedule continues with upcoming road
games at San Diego State and Colorado State. … Air Force defeated Nevada in
its conference opener. The Falcons are 2-78 all-time against ranked opponents
and 0-3 this season.