Pearson pressed into duty for UNLV

Steve Addy

Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2001 | 10:41 a.m.

WHAT: UNLV (2-1) at Washington (3-1)

WHEN: Wednesday, 7:05 p.m.

WHERE: Bank of America Arena, Seattle

TV: KFBT Gold 33/Cable 6

RADIO: KBAD 920-AM

Omari Pearson says he wouldn't care if he was the Rebels' 12th man, as long as UNLV wins.

"I'd probably wish I was playing more, but winning would take care of my frustration," he said.

But sitting Pearson is not a luxury the Rebels can afford at the moment. After playing only 56 minutes last season, the 6-foot-8 sophomore from Chicago has been hurried into the starting center's role.

Instead of accumulating minutes and confidence as a backup to Juco transfer Jamal Holden, Pearson has started all three games and scored 11 points in 40 minutes. His 14 rebounds are two more than he had last season.

Pearson's on-the-job training is putting UNLV at a size disadvantage under the basket, but the Rebels' options are few, so he'll likely stay in the lineup unless the 6-10 Holden proves capable of more minutes.

In Saturday's 74-61 loss at Cincinnati, Pearson ran into a typical young-player problem, getting into early foul trouble that limited him to only four minutes per half. He committed two fouls in the opening 2:37, spoiling an aggressive start.

Pearson hopes to avoid a similar fate Wednesday night when UNLV (2-1) visits Washington (3-1). He'll be severely undersized against Huskies senior center David Dixon, who stands 6-11 and weighs 270, having trimmed 35 pounds since last season.

Dixon averages 11.3 points and a team-leading 8.3 rebounds, and is coming off a school-record seven blocked shots Saturday against Santa Clara.

Pearson seems unconcerned to be giving up three inches and 50 pounds to Dixon.

"I've guarded bigger guys in the summer, so my fear of guarding any player in the country is not high," he said. "There are players out there with more talent, but my heart is as big as anyone's. I will never, ever back down from a player. Heart matters more than anything."

That takes care of the mental approach, but what about Dixon's physical advantage?

"I guarded (Kaspars) Kambala every day last year. He's 250 pounds of muscle, and he's one of the strongest guys I have ever played against," Pearson said.

"When a guy is bigger, you have to play smart. You have to use your feet and get in front of him. You can't be physical with a guy who's stronger than you."

Coach Charlie Spoonhour isn't bemoaning having to start the undersized, inexperienced Pearson.

"We can't be worrying about what we don't have. We've got to be proud of what we have and make the most of it," Spoonhour said. "Omari needs to play. He has a lot of learning to do."

Of the obvious mismatch against Dixon, Spoonhour said, "If there's a mismatch on one end, there's a mismatch on the other end. We've got to make (Dixon) work."

Offensively, Pearson plans to continue the aggressive approach he used at Cincinnati, though he didn't stay on the court long. He shot 3-of-3 with two layups and a tip-in. Spoonhour is seeking more passes into the post, so Pearson's scoring chances could increase.

"I have to be smart with the ball," Pearson said. "If I'm double-teamed, I'll pass it out. If I'm open, I have to make a strong move to the basket."