No. 12 Rebels survive in OT at Air Force

Not much changed in three days, except for Saturday’s opponent.

"It was definitely deja vu," Moser said.

Bellfield laughed and added, "I’m just glad it went the same way."

Moser totaled 27 points and 12 rebounds, and Bellfield sank a tiebreaking 3 midway through overtime as the 12th-ranked Rebels dodged another bullet in a 65-63 victory over Air Force at Clune Arena.

"It was a game we certainly could have lost. I’d like to be able to put my feet up and enjoy the last few minutes of the game," UNLV coach Dave Rice said. "The bottom line is we found a way to win two important road games, and we’re back fighting for a conference title."

The Rebels (20-3, 4-1) moved into a first-place tie in the Mountain West Conference with San Diego State, which was upset 77-60 at Colorado State, but their results from the week won’t impress many poll voters.

On Wednesday, Moser had 18 points and 21 rebounds, and Bellfield made a 3-pointer with two minutes left in overtime to lift UNLV to a 77-72 win at Boise State, the league’s the last-place team.

"We didn’t really play like a Top 10 team this week," said Moser, who registered his fourth consecutive double-double and 12th of the season. "But you put this week behind you. We can’t complain with two wins."

The Rebels, 3-0 in overtime games, made a defensive stand to force overtime for the second time in three days.

Junior guard Michael Lyons, who hit six 3-pointers and totaled 25 points, had a shot to win for Air Force (11-8, 1-4). He drove the right side of the lane in the final seconds but was tightly defended, and his short jumper was off the mark. Moser rebounded as time expired.

Lyons’ 3 tied it at 61 two minutes into overtime. But Bellfield, who finished with 15 points, countered with a 3 to put UNLV up with 2:29 left. A free throw by Moser was all the Rebels mustered the rest of the way.

Air Force, which had six turnovers in overtime, again had an opportunity to win or tie in the final seconds, and Todd Fletcher drove the lane before trying to pass to Kamryn Williams on the left wing. The Rebels’ Chace Stanback stepped into the passing lane, and his steal sealed the win.

Stanback, the team’s leading scorer at 14.7 points per game, shot 1-for-10 and finished with two points. Moser and Bellfield, who combined for 32 of UNLV’s first 40 points, carried the load while making most of the pivotal plays.

"When it comes to overtime, it’s do or die," Moser said. "Oscar put us over the top."

Bellfield, who shot 6-for-10 and made three 3s, had seven assists and one turnover in 38 minutes.

"Oscar had a very good week," Rice said. "Our guys expect to win, and they have something in them to make big plays. We were in a dogfight in the second half."

Moser made his first five shots and had 12 points eight minutes into the game, but the Rebels committed nine turnovers and blew an 11-point lead to fall behind 34-33 at halftime.

It was the seventh time this season UNLV trailed at the half. Moser’s short jumper put the Rebels back in front one minute into the second half, and the teams traded leads the rest of the way. The game had seven ties and 16 lead changes.

After Lyons’ 3-pointer put the Falcons in front 42-37 at the 14:25 mark, Justin Hawkins and Kendall Wallace got involved in the offense, with each hitting a 3 as part of 9-0 run by UNLV.

The Rebels made 8 of 26 3-pointers. After the first 10 minutes, their offensive execution was sorely lacking against the Falcons’ zone.

"It’s always frustrating when you play against a team that is methodical and plays a different style," Rice said.

Moser said there was one major difference from the game at Boise State. This time, he was not throwing up before tipoff.

"That’s the only improvement," he said. "I have a little more energy. But I feel terrible."

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.