Rebel recap: Momentum swung toward UNLV late in second half

the numbers

Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2002 | 9:59 a.m.

Recapping UNLV's 72-64 win over Utah on Monday night:

First half

Score: Utah 37, UNLV 29

The Man: Utah center Cameron Koford, starting in place of injured Chris Burgess, is averaging only 3.2 points and 2.6 rebounds, but he blew past those figures with eight points (on 3 of 3 field goals), seven rebounds and two blocks by halftime.

Turning point: The Rebels came out tight in their only ESPN Big Monday game of the season, missing their first six shots. Meanwhile, the Utes bolted to an 11-0 lead in the opening 4:04.

Off the bench: Both teams allocated 30 minutes to subs in the half, and both got 10 points from them. Phil Cullen scored five for Utah.

Game within the game: Dalron Johnson was called for an intentional foul when he punched Koford in the midsection with 9:01 to go in the half. The fans booed, but replays proved it.

Second half

Final: UNLV 72, Utah 64

The Man: After spraining his right ankle with 6:10 left in the first half, Marcus Banks returned with 10:13 to play and sparked the Rebels' rousing finish. He supplied seven points and three steals while playing the rest of the way, and his only assist put UNLV ahead to stay.

Turning point: When Banks came back, the Rebels trailed 51-44. Less than four minutes later, they had scored 13 straight points for a 57-51 lead. Johnson made two pretty 10-footers.

Off the bench: Center Louis Amundson made several key plays around the basket en route to 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. The fans love the aggressive freshman.

Game within the game: When UNLV lost by 23 at Utah on Jan. 12, Spoonhour regretted using a zone press and 3-2 zone because the Utes hit 17 3-pointers. This time the Rebels used some fullcourt pressure, but never a zone.

Compiled by Steve Addy