Rebels roll in 79-45 win over Southern Utah
Chris Wood and Rashad Vaughn each scored 22 points as UNLV rolled to a 79-45 victory over Southern Utah at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Wood put on a dunking exhibition while shooting 9-for-12 from the field and grabbing 14 rebounds. Vaughn made five of the team’s 11 3-pointers.
The Rebels, who led by eight points at halftime, went up 72-40 on Dantley Walker’s 3-pointer with 5:04 remaining.
UNLV (9-3) opens Mountain West play at Wyoming on Wednesday.
HALFTIME REPORT:
Chris Wood’s 15 points and eight rebounds carried UNLV to a 36-28 halftime lead over Southern Utah at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Thirty seconds into the game, Wood made a 3-pointer. The 6-foot-11-inch forward moved inside and dominated the smaller Thunderbirds by dunking three times. He hit 7 of 8 field goals.
Rashad Vaughn scored seven points and Dwayne Morgan added six. Morgan started in place of freshman forward Goodluck Okonoboh, who did not suit up because of a minor knee injury.
Southern Utah closed the half on a 14-8 run.
PREGAME REPORT:
Four days after UNLV’s biggest win in years, coach Dave Rice is trying to get his players focused on a smaller challenge.
The Rebels just knocked off the No. 3 team in the nation and now play host to a three-win team.
UNLV (8-3) is a 17-point favorite over Southern Utah (3-7) at 7 p.m. at the Thomas & Mack Center, where fans stormed the court Tuesday after an upset of Arizona.
“That was an important win,” Rice said. “To beat a quality opponent like Arizona sends a message. But again, we’ve got a long way to go and a lot of things to shore up.”
The Rebels could be down a big man. Rice said freshman forward Goodluck Okonoboh is doubtful to play with a minor knee injury, and freshman Dwayne Morgan will start in his spot.
“Southern Utah is an improved team with a lot of shooters,” Rice said. “I’m concerned about their outside shooting. I’ve always said the 3-point shot is a great equalizer in college basketball.”
The Rebels routed the Thunderbirds 73-51 last year in Cedar City.
Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow him on Twitter: @mattyoumans247.
Who will win? See our staff picks.