Wyoming 79, UNLV 76

Sunday, Feb. 28, 1999 | 9:52 a.m.

Despite the loss, UNLV (16-11 overall, 9-5 WAC) will be the No. 1 seed in the WAC Tournament. Wyoming (17-9, 7-7) was eliminated from the post-season tournament because Colorado State beat Air Force earlier Saturday to clinch the final Mountain Division spot.

Wyoming never trailed against UNLV.

In fact, the Pokes led by as many as 16 points in the first half, taking a 43-30 halftime lead. UNLV committed 13 turnovers in the half.

But the Runnin' Rebels opened the second half with a 14-4 run over the first 5:40. Kevin Simmons led the comeback with 6 points.

UNLV cut the lead down to 65-63 with 6:30 left, but Wyoming scored 9 straight points for a 74-63 advantage at the 4:24 mark.

UNLV made another charge in the last 4 minutes, pulling within 78-76 with 1:26 to go.

Josh Davis, who led Wyoming with 21 points, hit a free throw with 11 seconds left for a 3-point cushion. UNLV had two chances to tie the game in the final seconds, but both missed.

Anthony Blakes added 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Pokes, who shot 42 percent from the field (29-of-69).

Shawn Marion led UNLV with 24 points and 14 rebounds. Simmons finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

UNLV shot 39 percent from the field (24-62).