Jevon Banks helps save day for Rebels

Victoria Sun

Monday, Dec. 31, 2001 | 10:37 a.m.

After watching his team scratch and claw its way to another comeback victory, UNLV coach Charlie Spoonhour remarked that he felt like he was in the movie "Groundhog Day," in which the main character is forced to relive each day the same way.

This time, Jevon Banks was the team's savior off the bench.

Banks made 6 of 8 free throws in the last 10 minutes to help UNLV rally for a 84-76 win over visiting Old Dominion on Sunday night.

The senior guard tied a career high with nine points, had a career-high five rebounds and four assists in 17 minutes and was a big reason the Rebels (7-4) won their second straight game.

"Every time I come in, I want to bring a spark to the team," Banks said. "I don't really expect to start or anything, I just want to be a role player and do what I have to do like I did tonight."

What he did was help UNLV gain some desperately needed momentum by driving to the basket, making smart passes to his teammates and stepping up defensively.

The Rebels trailed 69-59 with six minutes remaining. Banks made two free throws then stole the ball on the other end, resulting in two free throws and pulling the Rebels within six.

Less than two minutes later, Banks spotted up for a 3-pointer to cut the Monarchs' lead to three.

"I thought he did very well," Spoonhour said. "I'm very happy for him because he puts a lot of effort in.

"He brings energy and that's something that tonight we were lacking. We didn't get a boost from our bench so when Jevon did it, that was good. And he's put his time in, that's why it's good to see him have good results."

Banks entered the game averaging 1.9 points through seven games.

He played in 13 games last year, missing most of the season after he sprained his ankle against Oklahoma State.

For Banks, helping the Rebels escape with a win was more gratifying than making dramatic plays.

"I was just trying to let my game come to me," Banks said. "If I needed to hit some free throws or hit a big shot, I didn't plan it that way.

"I just had the opportunity and took advantage of it."

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