Rebels get win despite foul trouble

the numbers

Monday, Dec. 30, 2002 | 9:53 a.m.

First Half: UNLV 43-41

The Man: SMU freshman point guard Bryan Hopkins, who entered the game shooting less than 29 percent from the floor, hits 4-of-7 3-pointers, including a couple of 25-footers, en route to 18 points.

Turning Point: With UNLV leading, 16-13, with 12:49 left in the half, Rebel point guard Marcus Banks was whistled for his second foul and sat on the bench the rest of the half.

Game within the game: With Banks and senior forward Dalron Johnson both on the bench with two fouls for much of the period, junior guard Demetrius Hunter responded with a big half, scoring 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-4 from 3-point range.

Second Half: UNLV 79-78

The Man: Point guard Marcus Banks scores 13 of his team-high 20 points after intermission, including two big free throws with 41.2 seconds left that increased the Rebels' lead to three points, 78-75.

Turning Point: Banks sank 1 of 2 free throws with 17 seconds left to increase UNLV's lead to four, 79-75.

Game within the game: Rebels finally shot well outside against a variety of SMU defenses, connecting on 10-of-19 3-pointers (52.6 percent).