Opener is no breeze for Rebels

When opposing coaches brag about a UNLV senior, the subject of praise most often will be Wink Adams.

It's never a surprise when Adams leads the way for the Rebels, as he did Saturday by scoring 19 points in a season-opening 65-60 victory over San Diego at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Adams made four free throws in the final minute to help UNLV avoid an upset before a crowd of 13,436.

Adams played his usual starring role, but senior forward Rene Rougeau earned as much respect in his own unique way by making several hustle plays when it mattered most, and his effort did not go unnoticed.

"The player I just love is Rene," Toreros coach Bill Grier said. "He does everything to help you win a game."

With the Rebels holding tight to a one-point lead with 1:12 remaining, Rougeau blocked a baseline jumper by San Diego's Rob Jones and grabbed the rebound.

On the other end, Rougeau made a spin move to the basket and was fouled by Jones. Rougeau made both free throws to put UNLV up 61-58 with 54 seconds left.

Rougeau and Adams forced the Toreros' Devin Ginty into a turnover after the inbounds pass. Rebels freshman Oscar Bellfield came up with a steal and passed to Adams, who was fouled and made one free throw.

Adams' steal on San Diego's next possession helped UNLV escape with a win that was in doubt for most of the second half.

"We kind of expected a close game," Adams said.

Grier might have gotten more than he expected from his short-handed team. The Toreros were without three starters -- 6-foot-8-inch senior forward Gyno Pomare and sophomore point guard Trumaine Johnson were suspended by Grier, and junior guard De'Jon Jackson was out with a knee injury.

"We expected to compete and battle and not use the situation as an excuse," Grier said. "I would have liked to be in here with a fully loaded gun.

"But I felt we did a nice job. We just didn't manage the game well in the last two minutes."

The fact the Rebels had to sweat out the finish was not a good sign to coach Lon Kruger.

"We haven't played the way we hoped to play, for sure," he said. "I think it's going to take a little time. We would like it to happen right away.

"We didn't play the San Diego team they're going to have two or three weeks from now or in January. But we've got point guards and post men who have never played a minute of college basketball."

Bellfield started at point guard in his career debut, and he delivered a brilliant performance with 13 points, six assists and three steals.

He shot 3-for-6 on 3-pointers and drove through traffic for a dunk to put UNLV up 55-49 at the 6:07 mark.

"Oscar surprised everybody with that dunk," Adams said. "Oscar played like a senior. He did exactly what we want him to do."

San Diego, which trailed 34-29 at halftime, took a 43-42 lead on Roberto Mafra's layup with 12:04 left. UNLV senior forward Joe Darger answered with his first 3-pointer to put the Rebels back in front. Darger finished with 10 points.

Grier used a zone defense for a little more than half the game, and UNLV launched 3-pointers (8-for-29) instead of attacking the basket.

"We knew coming in that Wink is capable of going off on you for 30 points," Grier said. "Our whole thing was to make someone else beat us."

Rougeau turned out to be the player who earned the most praise. He had six points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and two steals.

Jones led the Toreros with 19 points and 10 rebounds, and senior guard Brandon Johnson scored 14 points while playing all 40 minutes.

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