Rebel recap: Kelly establishes career high with 29 points to lead UNLV

the numbers

Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2002 | 10:59 a.m.

FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Recapping UNLV's 96-91 overtime win over Colorado State on Monday night:

First half

Score: Colorado State 39, UNLV 36

The Man: CSU forward Brian Greene scored 32 in the first meeting with the Rebels on Jan. 21, and he picked up where he left off. He tallied 10 points and two steals in the half, helping the Rams lead by as much as 39-31.

Turning point: UNLV was without foul-plagued Dalron Johnson and Lou Kelly most of the half, but Lamar Bigby's 35-foot desperation swish at the buzzer lifted the Rebels within three.

Off the bench: Because of the foul trouble, also to keep fresh legs on the court, coach Charlie Spoonhour divided 38 minutes among five subs. They compiled 14 points and nine rebounds.

Game within the game: Credit Marcus Banks for aggressive offense while Dalron Johnson and Kelly were sitting. He had 11 points in the half, most resulting from strong drives into the lane.

Second half

Final: UNLV 96, Colorado State 91 OT

The Man: Who else but Kelly? He calmly made three free throws to tie it 83-83 with no time left in regulation and then scored nine of his career-high 29 in overtime, including 6 of 6 free throws in the final 23 seconds.

Turning point: As regulation expired, CSU freshman Jon Rakiecki needlessly fouled Kelly on a 3-pointer from near midcourt. Kelly hit all three free throws, then UNLV rushed to a 90-83 lead in overtime.

Off the bench: Freshman Ernest Turner finally saw his first crucial minutes, playing the entire five-minute OT. His jumper bounced in off the rim with 3:08 left to put the Rebels ahead 90-83.

Game within the game: Despite their weariness from the road trip, the Rebels perked up in overtime and quickly took command. Once Kelly's free throws tied it, Colorado State was simply too dispirited to win.

Compiled by Steve Addy