Willis’ aggressive approach proves positive for Rebels

Positive signs were hard to find in the way UNLV was playing a week ago. At the same time, though, sophomore Tre'Von Willis sensed the team's direction was about to change.

"We've all been feeling the pressure," he said. "But we all felt like we were close."

The Rebels finally busted loose Saturday and put together their finest performance of the season in a 79-64 victory over Arizona. Willis said it relieved the pressure created by a string of mediocre outings.

"We were ecstatic in the locker room after the game. We just want to keep rolling and build on this game," he said.

Willis played a major role by scoring a season-high 19 points, including 16 in the second half.

He said his approach to the game changed after he met with coach Lon Kruger last week.

"Coach said I've got to be a playmaker," Willis said. "I've got to be more aggressive and do more things to help this team win."

Willis has started five of 12 games for UNLV (10-2). He has come off the bench in the past four, with Kruger switching back to freshman Oscar Bellfield as the starting point guard.

Bellfield's play is steadier. He did not score against Arizona but had seven assists and no turnovers.

Willis is third on the team in scoring at 10.5 points per game, but he tends to get reckless with the ball and has 33 assists and 33 turnovers.

"We want him to stay aggressive and keep attacking, yet eliminate the careless play or two that seems to creep in there," Kruger said. "With his aggressiveness and ability to make some plays for others, there's going to be an occasional turnover."

As a result of his talk with Kruger, Willis said he's going to look to score more.

"I kind of find myself being too conservative sometimes when I'm out there at the point, trying to get other people shots," he said. "I feel I can help this team a lot when I'm on the floor.

"I've got to minimize turnovers. I've got way too many. I definitely want to be a starter, and the reason for that is there's probably more minutes when you start. But I waited for my right opportunity to step up and help this team win."

The Rebels host Southern Utah (3-8) at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Thomas & Mack Center, and senior guard Wink Adams' shooting slump will not be a topic of discussion. Adams hit seven consecutive 3-pointers Saturday en route to a season-high 25 points.

"When Wink hits shots, we're a tough team to beat," Willis said. "If he keeps knocking down shots like that, we're in for some pretty good things."

• NOTES -- Kruger said UNLV's "awareness defensively was great" against Arizona, which attempted a season-low four 3-pointers. Chase Budinger had the Wildcats' only made 3. ... Willis helped the Rebels' reserves outscore Arizona's bench, 32-4.

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