UNLV to rely on defense

Steve Carp

Tuesday, March 4, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

All season long, UNLV has found a way to avoid a serious letdown which could cause a tailspin.

And with the Rebels still in a position to make something happen in this week's Western Athletic Conference Tournament, they're not looking to start now. Especially back at home in the Thomas & Mack Center, where they were an impressive 13-2.

UNLV, 19-8, played Rice today in the opening round looking to bounce back from Saturday's regular-season ending loss to Colorado State. A win would get the Rebels to the 20-win mark and keep their slim NCAA Tournament hopes alive.

"It's been the same all year," said coach Bill Bayno following Monday's light workout at the South Gym. "We haven't had any serious letdowns because the kids know their roles, they know what's expected and we've been prepared for every game we've played."

UNLV's defense, which has been a constant through the final stretch that produced a six-game win streak and seven wins in its final nine games, is the key to success this week in the WAC tourney.

"We can stay in any game if we're bouncing and swarming on defense," Bayno said. "If we're struggling offensively, as long as we're playing good defense, we can give ourselves a chance to win.

"That's what happened at Colorado State. Keon (Clark) and Tyrone (Nesby) were struggling offensively. But our defense kept us in it to the end."

The Rebels entered today's game with Rice allowing just 68 points a game and holding opponents to 40-percent shooting from the floor. The players say there's no need to change the formula for success at this point.

"I don't think we'll lose our momentum with one loss," said senior Damian Smith. "We just have to keep a level head and stay together. If you're not focused, you can lose to anyone at any time."

Bayno said he liked what he saw from Monday's brief workout. The focus is there and so is the energy.

"I think they're into it mentally," he said. "We had good legs in practice and I think that's because we've stayed strong by being in the weight room and kept up our strength."

There was good news from the training room as well. Warren Rosegreen's sprained right ankle was doing much better and Rosegreen said the pain had gone down considerably. Same for the tendinitis in Sunshine Smith's right knee.

Trainer Jerry Koloskie said the intensive treatment both players took Sunday plus the day off, combined with the light workout Monday, had everyone physically ready to go.