UNLV’s next opponent is no pushover

Steve Addy

Friday, Nov. 30, 2001 | 10:22 a.m.

WHAT: Georgia Southern (3-2) at UNLV (2-2)

WHEN: Saturday, 7:35 p.m.

WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center

TV: None

RADIO: KBAD 920-AM

No offense to Georgia Southern, but when UNLV put the Eagles on this year's schedule, it was to serve as an automatic win.

In scheduling parlance, they are called "guarantee" games, mainly because "patsies" isn't as sporting.

Such opponents don't draw sellout crowds or bring Dick Vitale to town, but they'll usually be a compliant loser and bolster the home team's record.

There could be a few problems with that scenario Saturday when Georgia Southern (3-2) comes to the Thomas & Mack Center. After two straight road losses, nothing is automatic for the Rebels (2-2) at the moment, and the Eagles might be too good to play the prototypical patsy's role.

Having lost to Cincinnati and Washington by 13 points each, the latter occurring Wednesday night in Seattle, UNLV desperately needs a feel-good game. The Rebels fell apart in almost every facet in the final 10 minutes against the Huskies, prompting a players' meeting afterward.

"We got some things out in the air," co-captain Chris Richardson said of the gathering at the team hotel. "We addressed some issues -- stuff where we didn't understand what the coaches wanted on offense. And we talked about not being lackadaisical.

"I think it was good to get everything out in the open. Guys came in (Thursday night) ready to practice and concentrate. We had a good practice, and we'll be ready Saturday."

Coach Charlie Spoonhour said he was glad the players took it upon themselves to get together and talk things over.

"It's OK if they got mad at the coaches," he said with a chuckle. "As long as it's positive for the team, that's great. I was pleasantly surprised with how much effort they put into practice after four hours' sleep and the flight home. They didn't let the Washington game eat on them."

The Rebels spent most of the 90-minute practice working on halfcourt offense, which suffered in both road losses because of poor screening, sloppy passing and impatience in seeking good shots. They worked on finding cutters for easy baskets and taking more judicious jump shots.

They also ran transition defense drills, because Washington (and Cincinnati) scored too often on run-outs when UNLV failed to get back fast enough.

While the Rebels were practicing, Georgia Southern was hosting Illinois State and rolled to an 87-76 victory behind guard Julius Jenkins' 26 points. The Eagles return all five starters from a team that went 15-15 last season. Senior guard Sean Peterson leads them with a 20.4-point average.

After opening with wins over North Georgia and Gardner-Webb, Georgia Southern lost to Georgia (94-73) and Wichita State (97-77) last week.

"Their offense is very good, and they fullcourt press a little," Spoonhour said. "This will be a good (opponent) for us."

Given what's happened over the last week, that's not the sort of guarantee the Rebels really need.