There's been victories since the Arizona game, but this was the first game since the Rebels beat U of A back in December where it was a total team effort that got them a victory. Once that big lead dwindled down in the first half, the game really could have gotten away from UNLV like it has many other times during this season. Instead, the Rebels took advantage of a bad call by the refs and closed the half on a 5-0 run. I think that was the point in the game where as a team, UNLV decided it wasn't going to be status quo today.
Pros
On a day where a lot of guys stepped up, the first bit of praise i have to delve out is to Jelan Kendrick. He's been up and down during his career here, but after Shaddy got injured, nobody has elevated their games more. JK played assertive, he shot the ball really well and more importantly he's been a leader for this team. His 17 points and 7 assists (How about that over the shoulder pass in transition to Wood?!) couldn't have been more needed, or more important.
McCaw is just electric. I really can't describe him any better than that and I honestly can't believe how good he has turned out. Today he was the best he has been yet and that's saying something. He literally did it all in compiling 22 points 4 assists and a couple of steals. That play where he got the steal, pirouetted while bobbling the ball, gaining control, crossing over while going full speed to the basket and finishing with a banker-finger roll typifies just how special he is and he will be.
A bounce back game is just what Chris needed and that's what he gave us. New Mexico tried to emulate Boise's tactic of getting physical with him, but Christian was ready for it and responded beautifully. He was kind of blase on the glass, but that was hands down the best offensive performance he's ever had IMO. He shot 50% from 3 and looked like a gazelle in transition. I'm not even sure if he came back down to the ground after brutally dunking his own put back attempt.
We're seeing Goodluck transform before our very eyes. As usual he was great blocking shots, but what has been impressing me is his offensive game. He's going to work on the block hitting hooks, he's burying mid-range jumpers and he's looking really crisp and refined doing it. We all know this staff can develop bigs and we're seeing it first hand with Goodluck. That was a silky smooth 12 points he put in.
This is the first time i can remember where Dave actually implemented a running game plan. And it worked wonderfully. The Runnin' Rebels were the Runnin' Rebels today. We saw flashes of it against CSU, but today it didn't fizzle like it did it Ft Collins. Lobs, running off steals, running off blocks, finishing it all in transition and finishing prettily. Tark was smiling down on Wise Pies today.
Shooting the ball well is so important. We saw against Boise at the Mack just how important it is to hit shots. Today this team was Tony the Tiger great shooting the rock. 54% from the field, 58% from deep and 80% from the stripe. That's how u win on the road ladies and gentlemen.
Rice got a T. Good job coach! Way to show some emotion and stand up for your guys to a pretty awful ref crew. Love to see that out of Rice.
Cons
Cody Doolin. Not much more be said. He dished out 6 assists which was nice, but anyone who was guarding him played about 8 feet back and made it hard to get anything going in the post. We shot well despite it, but UNM was able to double team all day because they know Doolin isn't even going to try and shoot.
Where's the beef? Oh sorry, this isn't the 80's... So where's the damn rebounding? i know this is a point of emphasis every single game, but 22 boards total for a 40 minute game is unacceptable. Chris and Goodluck have to do a better job, period.
It's always great to get a win down in smack country. The Rebels showed a lot of grit and firepower today and they got a relatively easy win in big time hostile territory. Couldn't be prouder of the kids for playing hard nosed, team basketball. Add your 2 cents if u wish, just do it constructively please.
Pros
On a day where a lot of guys stepped up, the first bit of praise i have to delve out is to Jelan Kendrick. He's been up and down during his career here, but after Shaddy got injured, nobody has elevated their games more. JK played assertive, he shot the ball really well and more importantly he's been a leader for this team. His 17 points and 7 assists (How about that over the shoulder pass in transition to Wood?!) couldn't have been more needed, or more important.
McCaw is just electric. I really can't describe him any better than that and I honestly can't believe how good he has turned out. Today he was the best he has been yet and that's saying something. He literally did it all in compiling 22 points 4 assists and a couple of steals. That play where he got the steal, pirouetted while bobbling the ball, gaining control, crossing over while going full speed to the basket and finishing with a banker-finger roll typifies just how special he is and he will be.
A bounce back game is just what Chris needed and that's what he gave us. New Mexico tried to emulate Boise's tactic of getting physical with him, but Christian was ready for it and responded beautifully. He was kind of blase on the glass, but that was hands down the best offensive performance he's ever had IMO. He shot 50% from 3 and looked like a gazelle in transition. I'm not even sure if he came back down to the ground after brutally dunking his own put back attempt.
We're seeing Goodluck transform before our very eyes. As usual he was great blocking shots, but what has been impressing me is his offensive game. He's going to work on the block hitting hooks, he's burying mid-range jumpers and he's looking really crisp and refined doing it. We all know this staff can develop bigs and we're seeing it first hand with Goodluck. That was a silky smooth 12 points he put in.
This is the first time i can remember where Dave actually implemented a running game plan. And it worked wonderfully. The Runnin' Rebels were the Runnin' Rebels today. We saw flashes of it against CSU, but today it didn't fizzle like it did it Ft Collins. Lobs, running off steals, running off blocks, finishing it all in transition and finishing prettily. Tark was smiling down on Wise Pies today.
Shooting the ball well is so important. We saw against Boise at the Mack just how important it is to hit shots. Today this team was Tony the Tiger great shooting the rock. 54% from the field, 58% from deep and 80% from the stripe. That's how u win on the road ladies and gentlemen.
Rice got a T. Good job coach! Way to show some emotion and stand up for your guys to a pretty awful ref crew. Love to see that out of Rice.
Cons
Cody Doolin. Not much more be said. He dished out 6 assists which was nice, but anyone who was guarding him played about 8 feet back and made it hard to get anything going in the post. We shot well despite it, but UNM was able to double team all day because they know Doolin isn't even going to try and shoot.
Where's the beef? Oh sorry, this isn't the 80's... So where's the damn rebounding? i know this is a point of emphasis every single game, but 22 boards total for a 40 minute game is unacceptable. Chris and Goodluck have to do a better job, period.
It's always great to get a win down in smack country. The Rebels showed a lot of grit and firepower today and they got a relatively easy win in big time hostile territory. Couldn't be prouder of the kids for playing hard nosed, team basketball. Add your 2 cents if u wish, just do it constructively please.
